The Denver Nuggets' playoff journey came to an abrupt end in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a season marked by significant highs and brutal lows, the Nuggets faced elimination after a hard-fought seven-game series.
Despite dominating the regular season with a convincing sweep over the Boston Celtics, the playoffs presented an entirely different challenge. The Nuggets had previously tarnished Boston's then-perfect home record with an impressive victory at TD Garden on January 19 and followed it up with another win on March 7. In that game, Nikola Jokic recorded a 32-point triple-double, while Jaylen Brown netted an impressive 41 points. Yet, these regular-season feats did not translate into postseason success.
Overcoming Adversity
The Nuggets' postseason kicked off with a first-round clash against the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver showcased resilience and grit, overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the five games, ultimately taking the series 4-1. Despite the adversity, including injuries to key player Jamal Murray, the Nuggets displayed remarkable fortitude. Murray, battling injuries to his calf and elbow, put in a valiant effort but hit only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc against the Lakers.
The Semifinal Struggle
In the semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver's path grew steeper. The series extended to a decisive Game 7, where the Nuggets saw a 20-point lead evaporate in the second half. Jamal Murray stepped up amidst the pressure, scoring an admirable 35 points in the final game. However, it wasn't enough to fend off elimination.
Minnesota's triumph over Denver was a turning point for the Boston Celtics, according to Jayson Tatum. He reflected on the moment, saying, "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."
The Celtics' Championship Journey
The Celtics, finishing the season with an impressive 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, embarked on their own playoff journey with determination. They secured a 16-3 record through the playoffs and advanced to face the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics won the first three games against Dallas but hit a roadblock in Game 4, suffering a staggering 30-point loss. Reflecting on that moment, Tatum shared, "No gas."
Despite the setback, Tatum remained unfazed. "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," Tatum stated.
The Nerves of Game 4
The anticipation and tension were palpable heading into Game 4. Tatum recalled, "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 desire to win was overpowering, yet it manifested as anxiety. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30," Tatum continued.
The Celtics' anxiety was evident, but it did not dampen their resolve. "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 concluded.
With nerves settled and the drive to secure victory still burning bright, the Celtics approached Game 5 with renewed vigor, determined to claim the championship that had eluded them for years. Their journey illustrates the highs and lows of professional sports—celebrating victories, enduring painful defeats, and navigating the mental and emotional challenges that shape champions.