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Nuggets vs. Celtics: Takeaways

By Mathew Huff

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 29: Mason Plumlee
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 29: Mason Plumlee /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on January 29, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on January 29, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Nuggets fell in a heart breaking one point loss to the Celtics.

The Denver Nuggets gave it their all and even clawed their way back from an 18 point deficit at one point. In the late third and early fourth quarter, they even had the first place team in the East, Boston Celtics, on the ropes.

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Sadly, thanks to the immaculate handles and clutch gene of Kyrie Irving, the Celtics seized the momentum back. Denver fought until the end though.

Jamal Murray hit a clutch runner with 33 seconds left to give the Nuggets a one point lead. It was very reminiscent to the one he hit against the Portland Trail Blazers the other night.

Then Al Horford drove the lane on a late rotation from Nikola Jokic on the next possession and kicked it out to the young, Jalen Brown. The young sensation had every fan in Pepsi Center holding their breath as they watched the ball release from his hand and unfortunately, sail through the net.

Now, time to address the elephant in the room. I am not one to pit a loss on a single guy, but Malone was responsible for this loss. Denver forced Kyrie Irving to miss a game sealing jumper and secure the rebound with five seconds left. Any sensible coach would call a timeout to draw up a play, especially only down one. Instead, Will Barton advanced the ball and shot a contested three with no shot of going in, cementing a heart breaker.

Next: Nuggets vs. Celtics: Half time report

Frustrating to say the least, but the players at least fought to the end.

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