Celtics vs Nuggets: Nikola Jokić, Jokic Lead Denver Nuggets Past Boston Celtics 103-84
The Celtics vs Nuggets showdown delivered a sharp second-half swing Wednesday night, as the Denver Nuggets pulled away from the Boston Celtics for a 103-84 win at Ball Arena in a nuggets vs celtics matchup that turned on defense, rebounding, and a decisive late-third-quarter surge. Tipoff was 10:00 p.m. ET on February 25, 2026.
Nuggets vs Celtics Game: How Denver Took Control After Halftime
Boston carried a 48-47 lead into the break after a strong second quarter, but the nuggets game flipped in the third. Denver outscored Boston 30-19 in the period, capped by an 11-0 run late in the quarter that created separation and forced the Celtics into a half-court grind.
Denver’s physicality showed as the game wore on. Boston finished the night shooting 33% from the field, and Denver’s defensive pressure turned the Celtics’ possessions into tougher late-clock attempts. By the middle of the fourth, the Nuggets had stretched the lead to 17, and Boston’s starters came out soon after as the celtics game slipped away.
Nikola Jokić and Nikola Jokic: Jokic’s 30-Point Statement
Nikola Jokić delivered the headline performance, and nikola jokic did it even on a high-volume shooting night: 30 points and 12 rebounds, while going 11-for-28 from the field and 4-for-13 from three. jokic controlled the tempo, punished switches, and kept Denver’s offense organized when Boston tried to crowd the paint.
Denver also navigated adversity early when Jamal Murray exited after 7:51 due to illness and did not return. The Nuggets’ response was collective: steadier bench minutes, extra playmaking responsibility shared across the lineup, and timely stops that fueled their third-quarter push.
Celtics vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats
Below are the headline numbers from the celtics vs denver nuggets match player stats leaders in Wednesday’s game:
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets | 30 | 12 | 11-for-28 FG, 4-for-13 3PT |
| Jaylen Brown | Boston Celtics | 23 | 11 | Returned after missing prior game (knee contusion) |
| Derrick White | Boston Celtics | 20 | — | Scored 18 in the second quarter, 3 blocks |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | Denver Nuggets | 14 | — | Key bench scoring burst |
| Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets | — | — | Played 7:51, left with illness |
Boston’s best stretch came when Derrick White heated up in the second quarter, but Denver’s second-half defense limited clean looks and sped up Boston’s decision-making. The Nuggets’ ability to generate easier attempts late—particularly after stops—was the difference.
Where to Watch Celtics vs Denver Nuggets
For fans asking where to watch celtics vs denver nuggets, availability typically depends on whether the matchup is carried nationally or stays on local/regional broadcasts.
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In the Boston and Denver markets, the game is commonly shown on local/regional sports channels tied to each team.
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Outside those markets, viewers often rely on the league’s out-of-market streaming package.
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If the matchup is selected for a national window, it can shift to a national sports network and become available through standard cable, streaming-TV bundles, or authenticated apps.
The simplest way to confirm for any specific date is to check the game listing in your TV provider’s guide and the league schedule page on game day, since broadcast assignments can change.
What’s Next for the Nuggets and Celtics After Celtics vs Nuggets
This result completed a two-game season series sweep for Denver over Boston, moving the Nuggets forward in a tight Western Conference race and sending the Celtics home after a 3-1 road swing.
Next up, Boston hosts Brooklyn on Friday, February 27, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET). Denver heads to Oklahoma City on Friday, February 27, 2026 (9:30 p.m. ET). For both teams, the schedule ramps quickly: Boston’s next stretch tests depth and shot-making, while Denver’s upcoming road spotlights how well it can maintain rhythm if key ball-handlers are limited.
For now, the latest celtics vs nuggets chapter belongs to Denver: disciplined defense, timely bench production, and another high-impact night from Nikola Jokić / Nikola Jokic, the steady center of everything the Nuggets want to be in the spring.