- Boston Celtics beat Denver Nuggets 118-106 at Ball Arena in a thrilling contest.
- Jayson Tatum scores 29 points, while Kristaps Porziņģis adds 25 points and 10 rebounds.
- Denver, without Nikola Jokić, kept pace through offensive rebounding and balanced scoring.
- Boston’s 15-0 fourth-quarter run proved decisive, securing their third win in four games.
- Jaylen Brown contributes 14 points and eight assists after a quiet first half.
Denver, CO — The Boston Celtics wrapped up their Western Conference road trip with a gritty 118-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Tuesday night. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, while Kristaps Porziņģis posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The Denver Nuggets, playing without their MVP Nikola Jokić due to illness, gave a strong fight. They relied on balanced scoring and a relentless effort on the offensive glass to stay in contention. However, Boston’s dominant fourth-quarter surge, highlighted by a 15-0 run, ultimately secured the victory.
Celtics Triumph with Early Surge and Late Domination
The Celtics opened the game with a strong performance, scoring 37 points in the first quarter. Kristaps Porziņģis exploited mismatches against Denver’s smaller lineup, scoring 15 points in the frame. Boston quickly built a double-digit lead, leveraging Denver’s weakened roster.
Denver responded with resilience in the second quarter, going on a 13-2 run led by Russell Westbrook’s 26 points. Contributions from players like Peyton Watson helped tie the game at halftime as Boston’s offense slowed, managing just 20 points during the quarter.
The game remained close until midway through the fourth quarter. With Jamal Murray benched, Boston capitalized on defensive stops and efficient scoring. A decisive 15-0 run, spearheaded by Tatum and Porziņģis, sealed the Celtics’ victory with a commanding lead.
Boston’s defensive adjustments in the final quarter were pivotal. They limited Denver’s three-point shooting to 27% and allowed only two offensive rebounds, successfully neutralizing the Nuggets’ late-game efforts.
Key Performances and Strategic Insights
Kristaps Porziņģis delivered one of his most impactful games of the season. His 15 first-quarter points, combined with aggressive rebounding, showcased his ability to dominate against smaller defenders.
Jayson Tatum continued to be Boston’s offensive engine with 29 points. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown, who struggled in the first half, found his rhythm after halftime, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the third and fourth quarters. Brown also led the team with eight assists, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The Nuggets leaned on their depth to stay competitive. Westbrook’s 26 points led six Denver players who scored in double figures. Despite their efforts, the absence of Jokić left Denver unable to counter Boston’s size and fourth-quarter execution.
Celtics Shine on the Road as Nuggets Face Tough Lessons
Boston wrapped up a 3-1 Western Conference road trip with this victory, showcasing resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. The Celtics’ success in closing out games highlights their growth and positions them strongly in the competitive Eastern Conference race.
For Denver, the absence of Jokić emphasized his pivotal role. While the Nuggets displayed depth by staying competitive, their struggles in critical late-game moments reveal areas needing attention as they move forward in the season.
Boston now returns to TD Garden to face the Sacramento Kings on Friday, riding the momentum of their road trip. Denver, meanwhile, will regroup and analyze their performance before their next challenge.