Boston CelticsOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Boston Celtics 103–84 on February 25 at Ball Arena, dominating a defensive struggle that fell well short of the Vegas total of 228.5 points. Nikola Jokić led Denver with 30 points while Ty Hardaway Jr. added 14, as the Nuggets shot 41.9 percent from the field and made 15 three-pointers to control the game throughout. Boston's Jaylen Brown scored 23 points and Derrick White contributed 20, but the Celtics managed only 12 three-pointers on 34.9 percent shooting and committed 13 turnovers against just 18 assists. Denver's third quarter proved decisive, outscoring Boston 30–19 to build a commanding lead that the Celtics never threatened. The Nuggets held a 108.5 offensive rating while limiting Boston to 88.5, a 20-point swing that reflected Denver's suffocating perimeter defense and ball movement—28 assists on 103 points. Boston's offensive struggles, compounded by turnovers and poor three-point shooting, marked a rare offensive lapse for the Eastern Conference contender. The loss underscores Denver's defensive ceiling as a legitimate Finals threat heading into the stretch run.
