Nuggets' Journey through the Western Conference Playoffs
The Denver Nuggets faced a rollercoaster ride through the NBA playoffs, ultimately exiting from the Western Conference in dramatic fashion. Their journey encapsulated both triumphs and tribulations, ending in elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
During the season, the Nuggets had moments of brilliance, sweeping their series against the Boston Celtics with significant victories on January 19 and March 7. Notably, their first win at TD Garden blemished Boston's then-impeccable home record of 20-1. In their second meeting, Nikola Jokic was exceptional, recording a 32-point triple-double, while Jaylen Brown scored an impressive 41 points for the Celtics. Despite these remarkable performances, Denver encountered numerous hurdles once the playoffs commenced.
First Round Battle with the Lakers
The Nuggets started their playoff run facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. They emerged victorious with a 4-1 series win, showcasing resilience by overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games. However, it wasn’t a walk in the park; Jamal Murray played through injuries to his calf and elbow, managing to shoot 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. Despite these struggles, Murray’s determination and grit were evident as Denver marched forward.
The Rocky Road against the Timberwolves
The second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves proved to be a harder challenge. The series stretched to a decisive Game 7, where Denver’s postseason run took a poignant turn. In a heart-wrenching game, the Nuggets squandered a 20-point lead in the second half, ultimately falling short. Despite the crushing loss, Jamal Murray's stellar performance was a silver lining as he amassed 35 points in Game 7.
Reflecting on the series, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics shared his thoughts, highlighting the impact Denver’s earlier defeat had on the psyche of other teams. “People always ask me, when did you guys know you were going to win a championship? When Minnesota beat Denver, I felt like Denver was the only team that they matched up best with us. I thought that we were going to play Denver in the Finals and it was going to be a good one,” Tatum revealed.
Celtics' Playoff Dominance and Eye on the Prize
The Celtics, on the other hand, capped their season with a dazzling 64-18 record and a commendable plus-11.7 point differential. Boston surged through the playoffs with a 16-3 record, commanding attention across the league. Their series against the Dallas Mavericks reached a crescendo as they dominated the first three games before a jarring 30-point loss in Game 4. The Celtics’ confidence remained unshaken as they anticipated bouncing back in Game 5.
Jayson Tatum vividly recalled the emotional rollercoaster leading up to Game 4. “Oh my God. Nobody has ever come back from 0-3, so I remember getting back to the locker room and I remember saying, 'I don't know what game it's going to be, but we're going to win the championship.' That was a weird feeling,” Tatum said. The Celtics’ desire to clinch the championship was palpable, yet the anxiety of the situation was undeniable. “We wanted to win so bad. We were so anxious and so tight. But I knew when we were coming back home for Game 5, we were going to win,” Tatum added.
Conclusion
The narratives of both teams underscore the intense emotions and physical demands that define playoff basketball. The Denver Nuggets’ exit from the Western Conference was a testament to their valiant efforts, marked by significant wins and heartbreaking losses. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ pursuit of the championship exemplified unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The journey through the NBA playoffs remains an enduring testament to the drama and unpredictability of the sport.