Nuggets' Playoff Journey Ends, Celtics Prep for Title Win
The Denver Nuggets' quest for an NBA championship concluded with an exit in the Western Conference, sealed by a second-round playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Denver's impressive season saw them sweeping their season series against the Boston Celtics, highlighted by a standout victory on January 19 at TD Garden, which spoiled Boston's formerly perfect 20-1 home record.
Despite the Nuggets' triumphs against the Celtics, culminating in a 32-point triple-double from Nikola Jokic and a 41-point effort from Jaylen Brown in their March 7 meeting, their playoff path was tumultuous. Starting with a first-round clash against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets emerged victorious with a 4-1 series win, overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games.
Jamal Murray's Performance and Injuries
Jamal Murray battled through significant injuries to his calf and elbow, which affected his shooting efficiency. He managed to hit just 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc against the Lakers. Despite these challenges, Murray played a crucial role throughout the playoffs, including a pivotal Game 7 performance against Minnesota, where he scored 35 points. However, the Nuggets' inability to maintain a 20-point lead in the second half of that game ultimately led to their elimination.
Boston Celtics’ Dominance
The Celtics concluded the regular season with a stellar 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, carrying this momentum into the playoffs with an impressive 16-3 run. Their journey through the postseason featured a series against the Dallas Mavericks, where Boston claimed victories up to Game 3 before suffering a 30-point setback in Game 4. Jayson Tatum, reflecting on the series, expressed optimism despite the heavy loss.
Anticipating a Championshi
"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 said.
The confidence in Boston's camp was palpable. Tatum's recollection of Game 4's morning shootaround highlighted the team's unique position of being one game away from clinching the championship. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30," Tatum admitted, recounting the tension that overshadowed their preparation.
Despite the anxiety and nervous energy, the Celtics remained resolute. "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 reflected, affirming the team's anticipation of bouncing back on their home court.
The Road Ahead
As the playoffs advanced, the Celtics' mission became clearer. Their ability to rebound from tough losses, coupled with standout performances, positioned them as formidable contenders for the title. With their eyes fixed on the championship, the Celtics demonstrated a blend of resilience and determination that has come to define their season.
Ending their season with a sense of unfinished business, the Nuggets will look to regroup and address the challenges faced during their playoff journey. For the Celtics, the lessons learned and the experiences gained this season lay a solid foundation for continued success in their quest for an NBA championship.