The Denver Nuggets experienced a roller-coaster postseason, starting with their intense first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers and culminating in their second-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite showing flashes of brilliance and resilience, the Nuggets' journey in the NBA playoffs ended just short of the Western Conference Finals.
Overcoming Early Adversity
The Nuggets faced significant challenges right from the outset in their series against the Lakers. Despite playing through injuries to his calf and elbow, Jamal Murray was a key contributor, even though his shooting percentages suffered. He hit only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep. Denver nevertheless managed to defeat the Lakers, overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games. Their 4-1 series win was a testament to their gritty determination and ability to rally in crucial moments.
A Season Sweep Against the Celtics
Throughout the regular season, the Nuggets showed their mettle by sweeping their season series against the Boston Celtics. Their first victory on January 19 at TD Garden was particularly noteworthy, as it ended Boston's then-impeccable 20-1 home record. In their second meeting on March 7, Nikola Jokic recorded an impressive 32-point triple-double, showcasing his exceptional skills. Despite Jaylen Brown’s remarkable 41-point performance, the Nuggets triumphed once again, cementing their status as a formidable opponent for any team.
Heartbreak Against the Timberwolves
However, the journey was far from smooth. The Nuggets' semifinal series against the Timberwolves stretched to a thrilling Game 7. Denver had managed to hold a 20-point lead in the second half of the crucial game, but it slipped away, leading to their elimination. Jamal Murray once again played a pivotal role, scoring 35 points in the decisive matchup. Despite his efforts, the Nuggets could not maintain their lead, and their playoff run came to an abrupt end.
Reflections From the Celtics' Standpoint
For the Celtics, the elimination of the Denver Nuggets by the Timberwolves stirred a sense of relief, as they themselves marched confidently toward an NBA championship. Boston finished their season with a phenomenal 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff record of 16-3 was another testament to their dominance. Reflecting on the moment Denver was knocked out, Jayson Tatum shared, "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 Pivotal Game 4
One of the Celtics' notable playoff encounters was against the Dallas Mavericks. After winning up to Game 3, Boston faced a staggering 30-point defeat in Game 4. Tatum recalled the anxiety leading up to this crucial 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." Despite their best efforts and overwhelming desire to close out the series, Boston succumbed to the pressure.
Unwavering Confidence
However, the loss only fueled Boston's determination. Tatum's confidence remained unshaken: "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 prediction held true, as the Celtics rallied in subsequent games to secure their championship, capping off a relentless and successful season.
The 2022-2023 NBA playoffs were a narrative of unexpected twists and turns, with every game shaping the journey toward the title. While the Nuggets' exit was surely a disheartening moment for their fans, the season showcased their resilience and capacity to challenge the league's best. For the Celtics, perseverance and confidence paved their path to glory, adding another chapter to their storied legacy.