The Denver Nuggets' playoff journey in the NBA's Western Conference came to a disappointing end at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Despite a strong season performance, which included a season sweep against the Boston Celtics, the Nuggets faltered when it counted most.
During the regular season, Denver displayed its prowess by defeating Boston twice, including a significant victory on January 19 at TD Garden, which marred the Celtics' then-perfect home record of 20-1. When the teams met again on March 7, Nikola Jokic's remarkable 32-point triple-double led the Nuggets to another triumph over Boston, despite Jaylen Brown's impressive 41-point effort.
A Rocky Playoff Run
Denver faced numerous challenges in the playoffs, starting with the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets managed to overcome double-digit deficits in three games during the series and clinched it with a 4-1 victory. This success came despite Jamal Murray battling injuries to his calf and elbow, which affected his performance. Murray hit only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep against the Lakers, a clear sign of his physical struggles throughout the series.
However, the semifinal clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves proved to be an insurmountable hurdle. The series extended to a Game 7, where the Nuggets blew a significant 20-point lead in the second half. Murray's valiant 35-point effort in the decisive game was not enough to secure victory for Denver.
Boston's Stellar Season and Playoff Ambitions
The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, finished the season with an impressive 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, showcasing their dominance. Their playoff run was equally stellar, boasting a 16-3 record leading up to an anticipated championship clash.
Boston cruised through the playoffs, including a series against the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics won up to Game 3 but suffered a substantial 30-point loss in Game 4. Despite this setback, the team remained confident about bouncing back in Game 5.
Reflections and Aspirations
Jayson Tatum, reflecting on the Celtics' playoff journey, noted, "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's confidence was palpable, especially regarding the unlikely scenario of a comeback. "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."
Game Day Emotions
The anticipation of winning the championship created significant tension. Tatum recounted, "I wasn't able to sleep that night, and I remember the morning of Game 4 we had shootaround, and I had never been in the position that if we win tonight, we're champions. We were at shootaround, and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30."
The team's determination to succeed was evident despite the crushing Game 4 loss. Tatum expressed the collective mindset going into Game 5 back home: "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."
This narrative of resilience and determination continues to define the Celtics as they strive for future success. The stories of both conference finals highlight the thin margins and high stakes of playoff basketball. Denver will look back on their missed opportunities, while Boston will draw lessons from their near-miss, both teams focused on what lies ahead in their pursuit of glory.