Sometimes, Nikola Jokić’s triple-double not only dazzles but also delivers significance.
Such was the case on Thursday night as Jokic secured his 20th triple-double of the season, propelling the Denver Nuggets to withstand a late charge by the Boston Celtics, clinching a 115-109 victory and completing a season series sweep against the Eastern Conference leaders.
Jokic’s stellar performance featured 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his all-around brilliance on the court. Many of his assists were pinpoint alley-oops to Aaron Gordon, who contributed 16 points with a series of emphatic dunks and a nifty running hook shot.
Jamal Murray chipped in with 19 points and eight assists, complementing Jokic’s dominance, as the Nuggets improved their post-All-Star break record to an impressive 7-1.
This marked Jokic’s 30th career 30-point triple-double, a testament to his exceptional versatility and impact on the game. Celtics center Kristaps Porziņģis couldn’t help but admire Jokic’s basketball IQ and craftiness, acknowledging the invaluable contributions he brings to the Nuggets. Porzingis even hinted at picking up a few tricks from the Serbian superstar during their matchup.
One highlight of the game was the dynamic alley-oop connection between Jokic and Gordon, which proved instrumental in sealing the victory for Denver. Gordon’s electrifying dunks, including a windmill finish off a missed layup by Jokic, underscored the Nuggets’ offensive potency down the stretch.
Despite a standout performance from Jaylen Brown, who notched a season-high 41 points for the Celtics, Boston faltered at the free-throw line, missing crucial opportunities to close the gap.
With both teams vying for postseason positioning, this showdown served as a compelling preview of potential playoff matchups. Nuggets coach Michael Malone and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla recognized the significance of the game, considering each other’s teams as formidable contenders in their respective conferences.
In the end, Denver’s resilience and collective effort proved decisive, showcasing their championship pedigree and setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing postseason race.
