The Denver Nuggets' journey in this year's NBA playoffs was a roller coaster of triumphs and eventual heartbreak. Starting the postseason strong, the Nuggets managed to secure a first-round victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves, with sheer determination, ended Denver's campaign in the second round, leaving the Nuggets to reflect on what could have been.
Denver's regular-season dominance against notable adversaries such as the Boston Celtics set high expectations. The Nuggets showcased their prowess by sweeping the season series against Boston, which included a notable victory on January 19 at TD Garden. That win was significant as it tarnished Boston's then-impeccable home record of 20-1. The momentum continued into their second meeting on March 7, where Nikola Jokic's remarkable 32-point triple-double led Denver to another victory against the Celtics. Jaylen Brown's valiant 41-point effort wasn't enough to tilt the game in Boston's favor.
The Nuggets began the playoffs facing the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that presented considerable challenges. Despite injuries plaguing star guard Jamal Murray, who dealt with calf and elbow issues, Denver managed a 4-1 series victory. This series was a testament to their resilience, as they overcame double-digit deficits in three of the games.
Jamal Murray's performance, though hampered by his injuries, was crucial to Denver's success against the Lakers. He averaged just 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep, but his grit and determination resonated with fans and teammates alike. The Nuggets' victory set them up for a semifinal clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The series against Minnesota was a dramatic one, pushing the Nuggets to the brink of elimination. The nail-biting series stretched to a decisive Game 7, where Denver initially seemed to be in control with a commanding 20-point lead in the second half. However, a relentless Minnesota comeback saw them erase the deficit and eventually triumph, ending Denver's playoff ambitions. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Jamal Murray's 35 points in Game 7 were a testament to his fighting spirit.
From the perspective of the Celtics, who were watching these events unfold, there was a sense of destiny in their post-season narrative. Boston, who finished the season with a stellar 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, had a relatively smooth playoff run, going 16-3. Their journey culminated with a series against the Dallas Mavericks. While the Celtics dominated the first three games, a shocking 30-point loss in Game 4 put a temporary halt to their momentum.
Reflecting on the Denver series, Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared a poignant moment of revelation, "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 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 shared among his teammates, despite the hiccup in Game 4 against Dallas. He vividly recalled the tense moments leading up to their potential championship-clinching Game 4, "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." The anxiety of the moment translated into a jittery performance, resulting in the heavy loss. "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, highlighting the determination of the team.
There was a palpable sense of destiny in the Celtics' camp, fueled by past successes and a recognition of their capabilities. The narratives of both the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics this season illustrate the unpredictability and drama of the NBA playoffs, where every game brings its own storylines and where the margin between glory and heartbreak can be razor-thin.