The Denver Nuggets wrapped up their seven-game road trip with a hard-fought 114-110 victory over the Boston Celtics. Despite finishing with a 3-4 record, coach David Adelman regarded the trip as successful given the challenges faced.
Jamal Murray Leads with 17 Assists
Jamal Murray shone in this matchup, recording 22 points and setting a new career high with 17 assists. This performance surpassed his previous best of 16 assists he achieved against the Brooklyn Nets. Murray’s assist-to-turnover ratio improved to an impressive 3.28 in this game, contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ success.
Key Contributions from Teammates
- Peyton Watson led scoring for the Nuggets with 30 points, showcasing his shooting skills with a 6-for-7 performance from beyond the arc.
- Jalen Pickett and Zeke Nnaji also featured prominently in the lineup, following strong performances in Philadelphia.
- Aaron Gordon, returning from injury, provided 12 points and six rebounds in limited minutes.
The Nuggets executed a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter, which proved pivotal in overcoming the Celtics and closing the game. Despite being undermanned, the team’s ability to adapt was evident as they played effective switch-everything defense and forced Boston into isolation plays. The Celtics, currently second in the Eastern Conference, managed only 16 assists collectively.
Celtics’ Struggles
Jaylen Brown was the top scorer for Boston with 33 points, but struggled with efficiency, shooting 29 times and committing seven turnovers. As Boston applied pressure in the dying moments of the game, Murray secured the victory for Denver with a crucial free throw.
Impact of Road Trip
This road trip started on a challenging note after a loss to the Nets, but the Nuggets managed to finish strong with two unexpected wins. Murray remarked on the unusual situation of losing a key player in each game yet labeled the trip as “solid.”
Looking ahead, the Nuggets aim to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming games. The combination of Murray’s playmaking and contributions from returning players positions Denver favorably for the rest of the season.
