In the ever-competitive world of the NBA, the Denver Nuggets showcased the unpredictability and resilience characteristic of the league. Their journey through the Western Conference playoffs was a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations that ultimately highlighted their strengths and exposed their vulnerabilities. Despite exiting in the second round, they left a significant imprint on the season.
The Nuggets started their playoff run with a formidable showing against the Los Angeles Lakers. Although they encountered obstacles, including double-digit deficits in three of the games, Denver managed to clinch the series 4-1. Jamal Murray, battling injuries to his calf and elbow, put on a brave front, though his field goal and three-point shooting percentages (40.2% and 31.5%, respectively) reflected his physical struggles.
The challenges intensified as Denver faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the semifinals. The series extended to a nerve-wracking Game 7, where the Nuggets' resilience was put to the test. After blowing a 20-point lead in the second half, the team relied on the explosive performance of Jamal Murray, who scored 35 points, yet it wasn’t enough to secure victory. The Timberwolves’ victory sent shockwaves through the league, underscoring the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball.
Denver’s regular-season success against the Boston Celtics lent an air of anticipation to their playoff campaign. The Nuggets had swept their season series against the Celtics, including an impressive victory on January 19 at TD Garden, blemishing Boston's near-perfect home record of 20-1. In their second meeting on March 7, Nikola Jokic's 32-point triple-double and Jaylen Brown's 41-point effort highlighted the high stakes and high skill level of both teams. Sadly for Denver, those victories did not translate into playoff advancement.
As the playoffs progressed, the Celtics proved their mettle, finishing the season with a 64-18 record and an impressive 16-3 playoff run. Their path led them through the Dallas Mavericks, with a dominant performance until a surprising 30-point loss in Game 4. Reflecting on the season, Celtics' star Jayson Tatum shared his thoughts on when he believed a championship was within reach. “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."
The loss in Game 4 shook the team, but Tatum maintained an unwavering belief in their destiny. “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.'” The emotional toll of the series was evident, as Tatum recalled the tension before their potential championship-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 pressure was palpable, and the Celtics faltered. “We were at shootaround, and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn’t take a nap. We lost by like 30,” Tatum admitted. Yet, his confidence in the team's resilience remained steadfast. “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."
Despite Denver's early exit, their season was punctuated by notable performances and commendable efforts. The road to an NBA championship is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the Nuggets' journey. Each game, each series, is a testament to the athletes' endurance and skill, reminding fans and players alike of the sheer unpredictability and excitement that professional basketball holds. While Denver will undoubtedly look to build on this season's experiences, the narrative forged by their trials and triumphs will persist in the annals of NBA history.