The Denver Nuggets' recent playoff run was marked by significant highs and lows, reflecting a season filled with promise, grit, and remarkable individual performances. Their journey, however, ended in the Western Conference playoffs, halted by a resilient Minnesota Timberwolves team in the second round.
The Timberwolves managed to eliminate Denver after a fiercely contested series that stretched to a dramatic Game 7. Despite leading by 20 points in the second half, the Nuggets couldn't hold off Minnesota's relentless push, culminating in their exit from the playoffs. Jamal Murray's valiant 35-point effort in Game 7 wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Denver’s path to the second round was fraught with challenges, starting with a tough first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets showcased their resilience by overcoming double-digit deficits in three different games, ultimately defeating the Lakers 4-1. Jamal Murray's performance was particularly noteworthy; despite battling injuries to his calf and elbow, he pushed through the series, although his shooting percentages of 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc were below his typical standards.
Beyond their playoff battles, the Nuggets had an impressive regular season, especially in their matchups against the formidable Boston Celtics. Denver swept the season series, including a standout victory on January 19 at TD Garden, which tarnished Boston's near-perfect home record of 20-1. In their second clash on March 7, Nikola Jokic recorded a spectacular 32-point triple-double, leading the Nuggets to another victory. On the other side, Jaylen Brown's 41-point performance highlighted the Celtics' fierce competitiveness.
Despite the Nuggets' impressive showings, the Celtics proved to be the dominant team of the season, finishing with a 64-18 record and a remarkable plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff journey was nearly flawless, marked by a 16-3 record leading up to their Finals matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics clinched victories in the first three games, but Game 4 took an unexpected turn as they fell to Dallas by a staggering 30 points.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Jayson Tatum shared insights into the team's mindset: "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 pressure was palpable. Tatum described the team's collective anxiety: "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30."
However, the setback did not dampen their confidence. "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 recounted. His unwavering belief was clear: "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."
Adding to the intensity, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope simply stated, "No gas," capturing the grueling nature of the playoffs.
In the end, the Nuggets' season was a testament to their tenacity and talent. Despite the early postseason exit, their ability to push through adversities, particularly against stalwart teams like the Lakers and Celtics, speaks volumes about their potential. As they look towards the next season, refining their skills and strategies will be crucial to advancing further in the playoffs and possibly setting their sights on a championship run.