BOSTON (AP) — In a thrilling Sunday matchup, Jaylen Brown showcased his talent by scoring 22 points, and Derek White’s clutch floater secured a crucial win for the Boston Celtics against the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 110-103. Despite almost squandering a significant 20-point lead in the first half, the Celtics managed to hold off the Nuggets in the closing minutes.
Jayson Tatum contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while White added 17 points to the scoreboard for Boston. Notably, this victory marked the Celtics’ ability to avoid a three-game losing streak this season. On the opposing side, Nikola Jokic put up an impressive performance with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray also scored 26 points, with 13 of them coming in the crucial fourth quarter, and Christian Braun added 24 points for Denver, who have now dropped three of their last five games.
Boston’s resilience was on display as they bounced back from a recent defeat to the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, where they let a commanding 22-point lead slip away. Against the Nuggets, the Celtics faced a similar challenge as their large lead dwindled to just five points following a late surge by Denver.
Notable Points:
– The Celtics must guard against complacency when holding substantial leads.
– Jokic’s injury concern could impact the Nuggets’ performance in upcoming games.
Key Moment:
With the game hanging in the balance, Murray’s late efforts narrowed the gap to just three points. However, a crucial basket by White extended the Celtics’ lead, sealing the victory as Boston’s defense capitalized on a turnover to secure the win.
Key Stat:
Tatum’s shooting struggled throughout the game, going 4 for 15 from the field and making only one of his seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead:
Both teams will have a brief break before returning to action on Wednesday, with the Celtics hosting the Portland Trail Blazers and the Nuggets welcoming the Sacramento Kings to their home court.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
