Count on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić to deliver in crucial moments. On Friday night, Jokić played a pivotal role in leading the Nuggets to a 102-100 victory over the Boston Celtics, marking the Celtics’ first home loss of the season and ending a 27-game home win streak dating back to the previous season.
Jokić showcased his dominance early in the game, contributing 30 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in the first three quarters. By the end of the night, he had accumulated 34 points on 14 of 22 shooting, along with 12 rebounds and nine assists. Jokić’s performance was complemented by Jamal Murray, who added 35 points, eight rebounds, and five assists with an impressive 71 percent shooting from the field.
Fans and analysts alike recognized the excellence of Jokić and Murray, acknowledging their impact in halting the Celtics’ undefeated home streak. Jayson Tatum struggled for the Celtics, going 1-of-8 from behind the arc and finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Social media reactions reflected the disparity in performance between the Nuggets duo and the Celtics’ stars. Many emphasized the superiority of Jokić and Murray, with some considering them one of the greatest duos in NBA history. The sentiments expressed on platforms like Twitter highlighted the dominance of the Nuggets big men over their counterparts in Boston.
Looking ahead, the Celtics, led by Tatum, won’t have an opportunity to bounce back at home until January 27 when they face the LA Clippers at TD Garden. Meanwhile, Jokić and the Nuggets are set to continue their road trip with a matchup against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
