The Denver Nuggets avenged a recent narrow defeat by clinching a tight 102-100 victory against the Boston Celtics during Friday’s NBA action. This win marked the Celtics’ first home loss of the season, ending their 20-game winning streak at home.
Jamal Murray led the charge with an impressive 35 points, while Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP, closely followed with 34 points, along with 12 rebounds and nine assists.
The game, a possible preview of the NBA Finals, saw both teams displaying solid performances and was the first of two regular-season encounters between them, with a rematch scheduled for March 7 in Denver.
Jayson Tatum of the Celtics had a crucial opportunity to level the score in the final moments but missed a contested fadeaway shot.
“I think I kind of rushed it, and that’s on me,” Tatum said. “I had more time than I gave myself.”
Tatum ended the game with 22 points and eight rebounds. Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis also contributed significantly to the Celtics’ effort, scoring 24 and 21 points, respectively.
Jokic excelled against the Celtics’ defense, which chose not to double-team him, allowing him to be both a scorer and a playmaker. Murray also had a notable performance, making 15 of his 22 field attempts.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone lauded the efforts of his star players, especially against Boston’s efficient defense.
“They played for themselves, and they played for other people,” Malone said. “It was high-level basketball from two All-Star players.”
Malone also highlighted the emotional resilience of Jokic, who played despite the recent passing of Dejan Milosevic, a Warriors assistant coach and Jokic’s former coach in Serbia.
“The last couple of days, just been supporting him, comforting him, giving him a hug,” Malone said. “Nikola went out there, and he honored Dejan’s memory and his legacy by playing at the level he played at. Not easy to do with a heavy heart. But Nikola is a special person.”
The game was intensely competitive, featuring numerous lead changes and ties. Denver overcame a six-point halftime deficit with a strong third quarter but faced a resilient Boston team that took a slender lead into the fourth quarter.
The final quarter saw Murray’s shooting prowess put the Nuggets ahead, but the Celtics fought back. Jokic’s critical plays in the closing minutes, coupled with a key rebound and put-back by Michael Porter Jr., kept Denver in the lead.
The Celtics had chances to take the game in the final minute but failed to capitalize. Aaron Gordon of the Nuggets made a crucial free throw, and a double lane violation resulted in a jump ball, which Boston won. However, Tatum’s final attempt to tie the game was unsuccessful.
The Nuggets look ahead to a game against the Washington Wizards on Sunday, while the Celtics begin a three-game road trip starting against the Houston Rockets.
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