The Denver Nuggets' journey through the NBA playoffs was nothing short of tumultuous. Their season peaked with sweeping the Boston Celtics in the regular season, but it was the postseason hurdles that defined their run.
Regular Season Dominance
In the regular season, Denver demonstrated its prowess by dominating the Boston Celtics. They not only swept their season series but also handed Boston their first home loss, which had previously held a spectacular 20-1 record. A significant highlight was Nikola Jokic’s incredible performance on March 7, when he recorded a 32-point triple-double against the Celtics. Despite Jaylen Brown's valiant effort of scoring 41 points in the same game, the Nuggets triumphed once again.
Crushing the Lakers' Dream
The road to the Western Conference was anything but smooth for the Nuggets. The playoffs started with a formidable challenge against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the Lakers’ efforts, Denver emerged victorious, taking the series 4-1. The way they overcame double-digit deficits in three of those games was a testament to their resilience.
Jamal Murray's contribution was particularly noteworthy. Battling through injuries to his calf and elbow, Murray pushed through the pain, although his performance was impaired, hitting only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep. His grit and determination set a tone of perseverance for the Nuggets.
Heartbreak Against the Timberwolves
Their journey took a dramatic turn in the semifinals against Minnesota. The series extended to a decisive Game 7, where the Nuggets encountered crushing adversity. After leading by 20 points in the second half, Denver saw their lead crumble, culminating in a heartbreaking defeat.
Despite the loss, Jamal Murray showcased his mettle by scoring 35 points in that fateful game. The effort, however, was not enough to carry Denver past the Timberwolves, who eliminated them from contention.
Reflections on the Season
As Denver reflected on their exit, it was evident that their season was marked by both high points and missed opportunities. The contrast between their regular-season dominance and their playoff struggles painted a complex picture of a team on the cusp of greatness.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum offered a reflective perspective on Denver’s postseason journey, stating, "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."
The Celtics' Charge to the Championship
The Celtics, on the other hand, charged through the playoffs with an impressive 16-3 record. They barreled through their competition, entering the Finals with force. Boston's season culminated in a series against the Dallas Mavericks, where they initially won three straight games before suffering a significant 30-point loss in Game 4.
Even amidst the setback, Tatum recalled an unwavering confidence in their ultimate victory. "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," Tatum reflected.
Despite the Game 4 loss, the Celtics returned home with renewed focus. Tatum’s determination was palpable when he shared, "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." And win they did, cementing their championship aspirations.
Conclusion of an Epic Run
In retrospect, the Denver Nuggets’ playoff run was a testament to their potential and the challenges that lie at the pinnacle of professional basketball. While they fell short, their journey illuminated the resilience needed to compete at the highest level. The Celtics, meanwhile, capitalized on their opportunities and showcased why they deserved to hoist the championship trophy. For both teams, the playoffs were a crucible that defined their seasons and set the stage for future confrontations.