Celtics Face Tough Test Against Defending Champion Nuggets

The Boston Celtics have been dominant for much of the season, but they enter Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets in an unfamiliar position—trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the year.

After a 117-97 loss to Detroit and a 123-116 defeat against Cleveland, Boston finds itself needing a statement win. But getting back on track will not be easy against Nikola Jokic and the defending NBA champions, who have won 11 of their last 13 games and are closing out a four-game road trip.

This matchup not only pits two of the league’s best teams against each other, but also features two MVP candidates in Jayson Tatum and Jokic, both coming off massive performances.

Celtics Looking for Answers After Back-to-Back Losses

Boston had a chance to bounce back on Friday after a surprising loss to last-place Detroit, but they fell short against Cleveland despite a season-high 46 points and 16 rebounds from Jayson Tatum.

Jaylen Brown added 37 points, but with Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Jrue Holiday (hand) out, the Celtics struggled to close out the game.

“There are things that we both probably could have done to put the team in a better position,” Tatum said. “But you learn from it and get ready for Sunday. It should be another fun one.”

Boston’s home record is still solid at 18-11, but they need a strong performance to avoid their first three-game skid of the season. The last time they lost two straight, in late December, they responded with a 142-105 blowout win over Indiana.

A similar bounce-back performance will be needed against a red-hot Nuggets team.

Jokic and the Nuggets Keep Rolling

Denver enters Sunday’s game 2-1 on its current road trip after a 134-119 win over Detroit on Friday.

As usual, Nikola Jokic was the driving force, posting 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists for his 28th triple-double of the season.

“Nikola … another tremendous triple-double, impacting the game across the board,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

With Aaron Gordon (ankle) missing the last game, Jokic took on even more responsibility. Denver’s depth and ball movement have been key to its 11-2 run over the last 13 games.

This game marks the final stop of its four-game road trip, and Denver will be looking to close it out strong before returning home.

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What Happened Last Time?

Boston and Denver met earlier this season on January 7, with the Celtics pulling away for a 118-106 win on the road.

Key Takeaways from That Game:

• Tatum led all scorers with 29 points, while Porzingis dominated inside with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
• Jokic (illness) and Gordon (calf) did not play, giving Boston a key advantage.
• The game was tied 93-93 before the Celtics went on a 15-0 run to seal the win.

With both Jokic and Gordon expected to play this time, the challenge will be much tougher for Boston.

Key Matchups to Watch

Jayson Tatum vs. Nikola Jokic
Two MVP-caliber players who can take over a game in different ways. Tatum is coming off a 46-point effort, while Jokic continues to dominate with his all-around impact.

Jaylen Brown vs. Denver’s Wing Defenders
Brown has been playing at a high level, but the Nuggets have strong defenders in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Michael Porter Jr. who will look to slow him down.

Boston’s Defense vs. Denver’s Passing Game
Denver ranks among the best passing teams in the NBA, led by Jokic’s 15-assist night in Detroit. Boston needs to disrupt passing lanes and force tough shots to slow them down.

Celtics’ Depth vs. Nuggets’ Bench
If Porzingis and Holiday remain out, Boston’s bench will need to step up. Payton Pritchard, Al Horford, and Sam Hauser will be crucial in providing secondary scoring.

What’s at Stake?

For the Celtics:

• A win stops their first potential three-game losing streak of the season.
• Boston looks to protect home court and build momentum early in a seven-game homestand.

For the Nuggets:

• Closing their four-game road trip at 3-1 would be a major success.
• A win keeps them within striking distance of the top seed in the Western Conference.

This is a battle between two of the NBA’s elite teams, featuring two of the league’s biggest stars, and it could serve as a potential NBA Finals preview.

Will the Celtics respond with a bounce-back performance, or will Jokic and the Nuggets continue their dominance? The stage is set for an electric matchup in Boston.