The Denver Nuggets' postseason run came to a halt in the Western Conference semifinals, where they were eliminated by the resilient Minnesota Timberwolves in a dramatic Game 7. This marked another chapter in Denver's rollercoaster playoff history, having entered the series with high expectations after an emphatic season sweep against the Boston Celtics, which included a standout performance from Nikola Jokic on January 19 at TD Garden.
Denver's ability to tarnish Boston's then-impeccable home record of 20-1 during their initial meeting set the tone for the Nuggets’ matchup prowess against stronger teams. Their second encounter on March 7 further solidified their dominance, with Jokic delivering a 32-point triple-double, although it wasn’t enough to see them through to the later stages of the playoffs. Jaylen Brown's exceptional 41-point effort in that same game highlighted the intense competition between the two squads.
The Nuggets' playoff journey was fraught with challenges. Starting with a formidable series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver showed remarkable resilience by overcoming double-digit deficits in three of their victories. They clinched the series 4-1, even as key player Jamal Murray contended with injuries to his calf and elbow, which significantly hampered his performance. Murray’s shooting percentages dipped to 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep, yet he persevered.
The semifinal series against Minnesota pushed Denver to the brink. The Nuggets were on the verge of securing a decisive win in Game 7, only to see a commanding 20-point lead evaporate in the second half. Despite a valiant 35-point effort from Murray, it wasn’t enough to stave off elimination.
In another part of the playoff narrative, the Boston Celtics had a season to remember, finishing with a league-best 64-18 record and an impressive plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff campaign was just as commanding, going 16-3. However, their journey was not without its bumps. Despite taking a 3-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks in the finals, the Celtics stumbled with a severe 30-point loss in Game 4.
Reflecting on the playoffs, Jayson Tatum offered insights into the Celtics' experiences and the gravity of facing Minnesota without the looming threat of Denver. “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 recounted.
Tatum's anticipation of the championship win grew stronger following that pivotal moment. “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,” he said, illustrating the team’s psychological state as they approached their potential clincher.
The Celtics’ mindset shifted as they neared triumph. Tatum described the nervous energy that seeped into their preparations for 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. We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn’t take a nap. We lost by like 30.”
The heavy defeat in Game 4 did not deter Tatum's belief in their destiny. “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,” he said, addressing the resolve that the team mustered for their final push.
This season has been a testament to the unpredictability and emotional ebb and flow of the NBA playoffs. The Denver Nuggets showed tenacity throughout their challenging journey, while the Boston Celtics’ ultimate victory showcased their determination and ability to rally after setbacks. Each team's experience underscores the intense competition and unpredictable nature of postseason basketball.