2 Takeaways: Denver Nuggets @ Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Gary Harris #14, Nikola Jokic #15, and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of their game at TD Garden on March 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Gary Harris #14, Nikola Jokic #15, and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of their game at TD Garden on March 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 18: Malik Beasley #25 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 18, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 18: Malik Beasley #25 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 18, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Nuggets are ready for the playoffs

Games like this feel like a playoff game, and for this young Denver team, this experience will go a long way.

A close battle against a good team is a test for a young group of players. The Nuggets aced that test.

In a game that had a lot of back and fourth, Denver didn’t waver. They didn’t get down on themselves when Boston went on runs, and they didn’t get too careless when they went up by a few points and seemed to have the game in hand.

Paul Millsap and Isaiah Thomas are veteran presences who can give the young Nuggets players extremely valuable advice on how to carry themselves and play in the playoffs. However, playing in games that have a playoff atmosphere surrounding them is the best experience that the Nuggets can get.

Denver has won games with playoff atmospheres this season, and they’ve also lost them. Winning these games provides confidence. The good part about losing these types of games is that they gain experience to use in the playoffs without suffering a loss on the big stage.

This team is hungry, and they’re more than ready for the challenge that the playoffs present.