The Denver Nuggets saw their promising NBA playoffs run come to a heart-wrenching end after being ousted from the Western Conference by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Denver's campaign featured a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks, from sweeping their regular season series against the Celtics to overcoming early-round difficulties against the Lakers.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Throughout the season, the Nuggets showcased their potential, sweeping past the Celtics, a team boasting an impressive 64-18 record and a formidable plus-11.7 point differential. Denver's January 19 victory at TD Garden shattered Boston's then-unbroken home record of 20-1. Even more impressively, in their March 7 rematch, Nikola Jokic notched an extraordinary 32-point triple-double, while Jaylen Brown countered with an awe-inspiring 41-point performance for Boston. Despite the Celtics' eventual victory in the playoffs, these matchups underscored Denver's capacity to challenge top contenders.
Overcoming the Lakers
The Nuggets initiated their playoffs journey against the Los Angeles Lakers, triumphing 4-1 in what proved to be a testing first-round series. Facing double-digit deficits in three of the games, Denver's resilience shone brightly. Jamal Murray, despite nursing calf and elbow injuries, delivered crucial performances, although his shooting percentages were less than stellar at 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc.
The Minnesota Hurdle
Denver’s playoff momentum hit a snag in the semifinals against Minnesota. The series extended to a gripping Game 7, where the Nuggets heartbreakingly surrendered a 20-point lead in the second half. Despite Jamal Murray's valiant 35-point effort, Denver's dreams were dashed by a determined Timberwolves squad.
Voices from the Court
Reflecting on the season, Nuggets' players and their rivals provided insights into the emotional rollercoaster of the playoffs. "People always ask me, when did you guys know you were going to win a championship?" Jayson Tatum of the Celtics shared. "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."
For the Nuggets, the playoffs were as mentally taxing as they were physically. Jamal Murray's resilience shone despite his injuries, and Jokic's leadership on and off the court was evident. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope succinctly summarized the team's exhaustion with a candid, "No gas."
Boston's Finale
The Celtics themselves experienced the strain and pressure leading up to their championship quest. Despite a dominant playoff presence, including a 16-3 record, the Celtics faced their own set of challenges. After cruising to a 3-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks, Boston suffered a stunning 30-point defeat in Game 4. Jayson Tatum recounted the eventual triumph, describing the team's anxiety and desire: "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." His premonition materialized, as Boston secured their championship in front of their home crowd.
The season's narrative for the Denver Nuggets and their adversaries wasn't merely a tale of wins and losses, but one of grit, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit. Denver's playoff run, though ultimately cut short, highlighted a team with immense potential and the fortitude to overcome substantial hurdles. As they look to the future, the Nuggets will undoubtedly draw from these experiences, poised to seek redemption and continue their pursuit of championship glory.