In a thrilling 102-100 victory on Friday, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray teamed up to score a total of 69 points, putting an end to the Boston Celtics' flawless home record for the season.
The contest, which pitted the reigning NBA champions against the league-leading Celtics, lived up to its billing in an intense clash at Boston's TD Garden. Denver's win halted Boston's impressive 20-game unbeaten streak at home this season, possibly setting the stage for a preview of the NBA Finals.
Both Jokic, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and Murray displayed outstanding form. Jokic contributed 34 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, while Murray led the Nuggets in scoring with 35 points on 15-of-21 shooting.
Motivated by Boston's unbeaten home record, Murray expressed, "During the season you've got to find ways of motivating yourself and your team... It was good to get a dub (win) today."
Derrick White led Boston with 24 points, supported by Jayson Tatum's 22 and Kristaps Porzingis' 21. Despite Boston's early 12-point lead, Denver managed to claw their way back into the game, securing the win with a gutsy performance.
Boston maintains its top position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32 wins and 10 defeats, leading second-placed Milwaukee (28-13). Denver, now at 29-14, holds the third spot in the Western Conference behind Minnesota (30-11) and Oklahoma City (28-13).
In other NBA matchups on Friday, Devin Booker's stellar 52-point performance led the Phoenix Suns to a 123-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers' hopes of a revival were dashed in a 130-112 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, with Cam Thomas scoring 33 off the bench.
Joel Embiid continued his impressive form for the Philadelphia 76ers in a 124-109 win against the Orlando Magic. Reigning NBA MVP Embiid scored 36 points in just three quarters, marking his 19th consecutive game with 30 points or more, as the Sixers secured their fourth straight victory. /BGNES
