Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis led the Boston Celtics to a 118-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Tatum scored 29 points, while Porzingis added 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Boston improved to 27-10 this season.
The Nuggets were without their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who was sidelined due to an illness. Denver also missed Aaron Gordon, dealing with a calf injury. Despite the absences, Russell Westbrook scored 26 points and Michael Porter Jr. contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Boston’s defense made key plays late in the game to secure the win. Al Horford and Tatum each recorded crucial steals during the fourth quarter. The Celtics’ 15-0 run in the final period proved to be the difference, as Denver’s offense stalled during the critical stretch.
Jrue Holiday supported Boston’s attack with 19 points and seven assists. The Celtics deviated from their usual reliance on three-pointers, attempting only 35 shots from beyond the arc compared to their season average of 50. Instead, they capitalized on points in the paint, outscoring the Nuggets 60-46 inside.
The Nuggets (20-15) kept the game competitive despite trailing by 15 points in the first half. Denver tied the game at 93 early in the fourth quarter with a Christian Braun three-pointer after a brief delay caused by spilled ice on the court. However, the Celtics quickly regained momentum.
Denver’s bench provided solid production, with Julian Strawther scoring 19 points and Peyton Watson adding 14. Westbrook, despite leading the Nuggets in scoring, committed eight turnovers as Boston’s defense applied consistent pressure.
The Celtics, winners of the 2024 NBA Championship, showcased their depth and defensive intensity throughout the game. Tatum filled the stat sheet with four rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Porzingis anchored the paint with five offensive rebounds and a block.
For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray tallied 19 points and four assists, but his shooting struggles and Jokic’s absence limited Denver’s efficiency.
