Nikola Jokic triple-double Denver Nuggets Boston Celtics

Nikola Jokic leads Denver Nuggets to victory over Boston Celtics with 20th triple-double of the season, downplaying NBA Finals preview.

In a thrilling NBA matchup, Nikola Jokic showcased his dominance with his 20th triple-double of the season as the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics with a score of 115-109. The game lived up to its hype as the reigning champions faced off against the Eastern Conference leaders in a hard-fought battle in Denver.

Leading the charge for the Nuggets, Jokic displayed his brilliance with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon contributed with 19 and 16 points respectively. This win marked a clean sweep for Denver over Boston this season, as the Celtics suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since November.

Despite the impressive victory, Jokic remained humble, dismissing any talk of the NBA Finals being a preview. He emphasized the team's energy and cohesion on the court, highlighting their strong offensive performance and ability to capitalize on open shots.

Boston, on the other hand, lamented their missed opportunities, with Jaylen Brown's outstanding 41-point effort not being enough to secure a win. Kristaps Porzingis added 24 points, but Jayson Tatum was limited to just 15 points. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged that turnovers were a key factor in their defeat, emphasizing the importance of possessions in games against top teams.

Even in defeat, Boston maintains their position at the top of the Eastern Conference with an impressive 48-14 record. Denver, currently third in the West with a 43-20 record, remains in contention for the top spot. The game served as a reminder of the talent and competitiveness in the NBA, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination on the court.