Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were on fire for the Denver Nuggets as they handed the Boston Celtics their first home loss of the season.
Jamal Murray scored 35 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 34 and Denver held on to hand the Boston Celtics their first home loss of the season, 102-100 on Friday night.
“Both teams were countering each other,” Murray said. “Both throwing haymakers and we were able to have the final punch.”
Jokic added 12 rebounds and nine assists to help the defending NBA champions end the Celtics’ streak at 20 home victories.
It was the first meeting for both teams this season. The last time Boston played against Denver was in March of 2023.
Jayson Tatum finished with 22 points and eight rebounds. Derrick White had 24 points and Kristaps Porzingis added 21.
“I think I kind of rushed it, and that’s on me,” Tatum said. “I had more time than I gave myself.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone had this to say.
“They played for themselves and they played for other people,” Malone said. “It was high-level basketball from two All-Star players.”
The game was played with high energy throughout, featuring 13 lead changes and eight ties.
