The Denver Nuggets stayed alive against the Boston Celtics
The Denver Nuggets were able to take advantage of Boston’s inconsistent defense in this game. Nikola Jokic and Danilo Gallinari returned and provided immediate impacts that were beneficial for the team.
Wilson Chandler had a solid game as he posted 23 points to pair with Gallinari’s 20 points. Nikola Jokic returned with a resounding effort as he obtained a monster double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds to go along with 7 assists.
Denver Nuggets
There were 4 Nuggets in double figures and the last one was the rookie, Jamal Murray. Murray shot 54.5% from the field and had a box plus/minus of +12 on the night. The Nuggets simply had the better overall performance. They played great defense as the held the Celtics to 99 points. See what happens the majority of the time when you guys hold the opponent under 100 points? Most of the time, you win.
The offense also was stellar and the ball movement was what the fans have been waiting to see. The Nuggets shot 52.9% from the field compared to Boston’s 42.5%.
When one analyzes the box plus/minuses of each team, it is easy to see why the Celtics lost by 20. Boston’s box plus/minus was a putrid -20. Denver’s? Try +20.
The Nuggets even forced 18 turnovers against a high flying Boston squad despite the fact that they committed 18 turnovers themselves. Denver also won the battle on the glass which is the norm for this young team. They grabbed 49 rebounds compared to the Celtic’s 33 boards.
The one thing that was interesting to see Coach Michael Malone do was give Emmanuel Mudiay yet another DNP (Did not Play). This is surprising considering that Mudiay went insane last time they played Boston by scoring 24 points in one quarter. He has a good height advantage over the 5’9 Isiah Thomas. As a result, it is shocking that Coach Malone did not play him at all in this game.
Unfortunately, what’s done is done.
At the end of the day, all that really matters is that the Nuggets got the win.