The Denver Nuggets' playoff journey this season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, culminating in an unexpected exit from the Western Conference semifinals at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a promising start and standout performances, Denver couldn't sustain their momentum against Minnesota, leading to their elimination in the second round.
Throughout the season, Denver showcased their strength, highlighted by their series sweep against the formidable Boston Celtics. Notably, the Nuggets handed Boston a rare home defeat on January 19 at TD Garden, spoiling the Celtics' hitherto impeccable 20-1 home record. The teams met again on March 7, with Denver clinching another victory, thanks in part to Nikola Jokic’s remarkable 32-point triple-double. Despite Jaylen Brown's explosive 41-point game for Boston, Denver prevailed.
The Nuggets' playoff campaign began with a challenging first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Displaying resilience and tenacity, Denver defeated the Lakers 4-1, overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games. However, the victory came at a cost; Jamal Murray played through significant calf and elbow injuries, which visibly impacted his performance. Murray struggled with his shooting, hitting only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc during the series.
In the semifinals, Denver faced a determined Minnesota team. The series extended to a dramatic Game 7 after the Nuggets had initially seemed to have the upper hand. In the decisive game, Denver squandered a 20-point lead in the second half, allowing Minnesota to mount a comeback and secure their spot in the Conference Finals. Despite Jamal Murray's valiant 35-point effort in Game 7, it wasn't enough to stave off elimination.
For the Celtics, the season was one of dominance. They finished with an impressive 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, and their playoff run mirrored their regular-season success. Boston lost only three games en route to an anticipated finals matchup. Their journey saw a minor stumble in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks, suffering a heavy 30-point defeat. However, the setback didn't dampen their spirits. "People always ask me, when did you guys know you were going to win a championship?" Jayson Tatum reflected. "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 anticipation for the championship was palpable. Tatum recalled his mindset following the 0-3 start in the finals: "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."
Despite their confidence, Game 4 was a trying moment for the Celtics. Tatum recounted the tension: "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."
However, Dublin's resilience shone through. As they prepared for Game 5, the team’s determination was unwavering. "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 stated assertively.
This season's playoffs have been a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of basketball. The Denver Nuggets, despite their early exit, put up memorable performances and demonstrated true grit. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics exemplified the persistence and belief necessary to chase a championship dream. While the Nuggets' journey ended earlier than hoped, their season was a reminder of the fine margins that separate success and heartbreak in sports.