In a dramatic turn of events, the Denver Nuggets saw their NBA playoff hopes dashed as the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated them in the second round. Despite their early-season dominance, including a sweep of the season series against the Boston Celtics, the Nuggets couldn't find the resilience to advance further.
The Nuggets had an undeniably strong regular season, exemplified by their two victories against Boston, one of which tarnished the Celtics' then-perfect home record. The first game at TD Garden on January 19 was a standout moment, and Denver's triumph was solidified with a second win on March 7. Nikola Jokic's extraordinary performance in that game, which featured a 32-point triple-double, underscored his importance to the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown's 41-point explosion for the Celtics highlighted the intensity of competition between these two teams.
First Round Resilience
Denver's postseason journey began on a high note, overcoming the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the first round. They showcased remarkable tenacity, surmounting double-digit deficits in three separate games. However, their success was not without challenges. Jamal Murray, battling injuries to both his calf and elbow, delivered a gritty performance despite his shooting struggles, managing to connect on only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep.
Grueling Semifinal Clash
The semifinal series against Minnesota proved to be a rollercoaster, culminating in a nail-biting Game 7. Denver had a commanding 20-point lead in the second half but saw it all unravel. Murray's 35-point effort in Game 7 wasn't enough to secure the victory, ending their playoff run prematurely.
Celtics' Path and Reflections
While Denver's saga concluded, the Boston Celtics continued their dominant march through the season, finishing with an impressive 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential. They entered the playoffs with a vengeance, going 16-3 en route to the Finals. The Celtics faced the Dallas Mavericks, storming to a 3-0 lead. However, a shocking 30-point loss in Game 4 momentarily halted their momentum.
Reflecting on the season, Jayson Tatum noted the significance of the Nuggets' exit. "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 shared.
The gravity of the situation became palpable for Tatum and his teammates as they prepared for 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 recalled.
The Unforgettable Game 4
With the opportunity to seal the championship in Game 4, the tension was undeniable. "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," Tatum explained. The team's anxiety translated into a subpar performance, resulting in a significant loss. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30," he admitted.
A Resolute Finish
However, the Celtics' determination remained unshaken. Tatum expressed their resolve leading up to Game 5, played at 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," Tatum confidently stated.
Ultimately, the Celtics' journey culminated in them clinching the championship, fulfilling their season-long quest. Meanwhile, for the Nuggets, reflecting on their playoffs provided both lessons and motivation for future endeavors. Whether overcoming early-round challenges or recalibrating after unexpected exits, both teams illustrated the relentless drive inherent in NBA competition.