Celtics Flips Another Elite Bulldogs 2025 Defensive Edge.
The Boston Celtics, who were leading the Eastern Conference, were defeated 115-109 by the Denver Nuggets, the defending NBA champions, led by Nikola Jokic.
Jokic recorded his 20th triple-double of the year with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Ever since the break for the NBA All-Star game last month, the highly effective Nuggets have won seven of their last eight games.
For the second time this season, Boston has lost two games in a row despite Jaylen Brown’s 41 points.
Despite the loss, the Celtics continue to lead the Eastern Conference. Denver is one game behind the leading Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference.
Jokic downplayed rumors that the game between the top two teams in the league might serve as a sneak peek at this year’s NBA Finals.
“We’re a long way from the finals my friend,” he replied.
“We had a great vibe going tonight. Today, our offensive was playing very well.”
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to a 114-108 victory over the Miami Heat with a final line of 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The Mavericks snapped their three-game losing streak thanks to 23 points from Kyrie Irving and four more players scoring in double figures.
In a close game that witnessed 17 lead changes, the Minnesota Timberwolves prevailed 113-111 over the Indiana Pacers.
With one minute and eleven seconds left, Anthony Edwards scored the most points (44), including a long three-pointer from 25 feet out that gave the Timberwolves a 108-105 lead.
With 33 points apiece from DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Golden State Warriors 125-122 by holding off a late comeback.
With 40 seconds left, Klay Thompson’s 28-foot three-pointer put the Warriors ahead 119-118, but DeRozan tied the game with a 17-foot pull-up to give the Bulls a lead again.
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Toronto Raptors 120-113 to win the game from start to finish, led by 35 points by Kevin Durant. It was the Suns’ second straight victory.
