The Denver Nuggets' journey through the NBA playoffs came to an abrupt end as they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a dramatic second-round showdown. This marked a surprising exit for the Nuggets, who had shown promise throughout the season.
Season Sweep Against Celtics
One of the highlights of Denver’s season was their dominance over the Boston Celtics, sweeping the season series in commanding fashion. The Nuggets delivered an impressive performance at TD Garden on January 19, which blemished the Celtics' near-perfect home record at the time (20-1). The second encounter on March 7 saw Nikola Jokic shine brightly with a 32-point triple-double, while Jaylen Brown's valiant 41 points for the Celtics went in vain. These victories against Boston marked significant high points in Denver's season.
First Round Battle with Lakers
In the first round of the playoffs, the Nuggets faced the Los Angeles Lakers and demonstrated remarkable resilience. Denver emerged victorious in the series, securing a 4-1 victory. Overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games showcased their tenacity and grit. Jamal Murray’s performance was notable, especially as he played through injuries to his calf and elbow. Despite his physical challenges, Murray contributed significantly, though his shooting percentages (40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep) reflected the strain he was under.
Heartbreaking Loss to Timberwolves
The semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves pushed Denver to its limits, culminating in a gripping Game 7. The Nuggets had built a substantial 20-point lead in the second half, yet astonishingly, they failed to maintain it, allowing Minnesota to stage a comeback. Murray once again put forth a valiant effort, scoring 35 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win for Denver. This collapse highlighted vulnerabilities that the Nuggets couldn't overcome in their playoff run.
Reflections from Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum offered some retrospective thoughts on Denver and the playoffs. "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 reflected. His comments underscore the respect Denver commanded among their peers, even in defeat.
Celtics’ Playoff Journey
The Celtics, with a formidable 64-18 regular-season record and a plus-11.7 point differential, demonstrated their dominance throughout the playoffs. They cruised through to Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks but stumbled in Game 4, suffering a 30-point loss. This loss served as a jolt for the Celtics, who quickly regrouped with visions of championship glory.
Tatum recounted the anxious moments leading up to what could have been the clinching game: "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 tension culminated in a stunning loss in Game 4, but Tatum remained undeterred. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30."
Despite the setback, Tatum remained confident in his team’s ability to bounce back: "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 resolve typified the Celtics' approach throughout the season — a blend of determination and confidence that, according to Tatum, made them believe nothing could stand in their way.
Denver’s journey, though ending in heartbreak, will be etched in the annals of their pursuit of greatness. Their clashes, comebacks, and fervent efforts illuminate the highs and lows inherent in any playoff run. The Nuggets may have fallen short this season, but their resilience promises a hopeful future in the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA.