The Denver Nuggets played one of their most impressive games of the season today, crushing the Celtics on the road by four (114-110) in a major upset. Even without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics are one of the league’s deepest rosters, but the Nuggets managed to secure the win and make a statement on their title chances.
From the beginning, the Nuggets played with confidence, navigating through key absences (Jokic, Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas) to pick up their second straight win. They were led by Jamal Murray, who dropped 22 points along with eight rebounds, 17 assists, one steal, and zero blocks on 44.4% shooting and 33.3% shooting from three.
The Nuggets also got a boost from Peyton Watson, who finished with 30 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks on 66.7% shooting (85.7% from three). Off the bench, Tim Hardaway Jr. tallied 14 points, two rebounds, zero assists, one steal, and one block on 44.4% shooting and 33.3% shooting from three. Between their play and Jamal Murray’s stat line, the Nuggets were able to find a spark despite being severely outmanned on paper.
The final frame is when Denver’s resolve was tested. Led by Jaylen Brown (33 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and zero blocks on 48.3% shooting and 66.7% shooting from three), the Celtics made a run that threatened to flip the game down the stretch. Derrick White also contributed with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, zero steals, and three blocks on 36.8% shooting and 25.0% shooting from three. In the end, clutch shots and key free throws down the stretch allowed the Nuggets to handle the push and close out with a win on hostile ground.
For the Nuggets, who are now 25-12, tonight’s victory marks another impressive showing without their franchise star. While many variables played a role in the final results, a few factors in particular jumped out that help explain why this team is finding success amid countless setbacks.
Jamal Murray’s Passing Clinic
With Jokic sidelined, veteran point guard Jamal Murray assumed control of the offense, delivering one of his most complete games of the season. He was elite at collapsing Boston’s defense off the dribble and finding shooters in rhythm to create clean looks. His game-high 17 assists were a direct result of the chemistry and trust he’s built after years of continuity with players like Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon, who came off the bench tonight.
Murray was the captain of the ship, and his playmaking rubbed off on the entire team tonight. Collectively, the Nuggets totaled 27 assists, leading to seamless ball movement and an offense that hummed all night long. If he can maintain this play for an extended stretch, the Nuggets may be able to stay afloat while Jokic recovers.
Impressive Defensive Effort
The Celtics may have won the rebounding battle, but they were held in check tonight due to the Nuggets’ defense. While they’re not typically known for their efforts on that end, strong rotations and disciplined closeouts helped force tough shots for the Celtics, which made all the difference in this game.
In the end, the Nuggets held the Celtics to 110 points on 45.3% shooting and 39.5% shooting from downtown. Jaylen Brown was the only Celtic to score more than 17 points on a night where every Nuggets player competed with unmistakable urgency and intensity on the defensive end. It was an inspiring defensive effort that we can only hope carries over when Jokic returns.
Elite Shooting From Peyton Watson
The Nuggets had to get scoring from somewhere, and Peyton Watson stepped up tonight. He had the game of his life, going 6-7 from beyond the arc to lead his team in scoring. With 30 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks on 66.7% shooting and 85.7% shooting from three, his confidence was steady, and his shot-making powered the offense all night.
Watson’s shooting also opened up the floor for his veteran teammates. As a team, the Nuggets went 20-44 from distance (45.5%), with five different players hitting multiple threes. It was a truly balanced effort that saw everyone contribute in an important road victory. For Watson, it’s a sign that he’s ready for a bigger role when Jokic returns later this month.
Stagnant Celtics Offense
As the Nuggets were heating up, Boston’s offense slowed down, frequently resorting to Jaylen Brown isolations. Brown shot the ball 29 times, phasing teammates out of the offense and leading to poor shooting games all around. In the end, without consistent flow or secondary creation, the Celtics struggled to respond down the stretch as Denver’s defense tightened and forced 14 Celtics turnovers.
Ultimately, the Cs did not have enough firepower to keep up with a red-hot Nuggets squad tonight. Without Jayson Tatum, the margin for error has been slim, and Boston is notoriously vulnerable when the ball sticks. That reality showed itself clearly in this game, and Denver took full advantage with nothing held back.
