Celtics Wrap: Nuggets Win, Nikola Jokic Makes Statement In MVP Race

The Boston Celtics fell to the Denver Nuggets, 123-111, on Sunday at Ball Arena.

The C’s fell to 26-11 while the Nuggets improved to 24-12.

Check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
It seemed as though neither one of these teams had any interest in playing defense on New Year’s Day. That was a winning formula for the Nuggets, who, unlike the Celtics, were able to hit a few open shots to pull away in this one.

Boston put together one of its worst shooting nights of the season Sunday, connecting on just 6-of-26 shots from beyond the arc through three quarters. That afforded Denver an opportunity to score 98 points and open a 13-point lead heading into the final stanza. The lead just wasn’t surmountable for a team that couldn’t knock down open shots.

The Celtics were able to do just enough with Nikola Jokic off the floor to work down a couple of large Nuggets leads, but as soon as the two-time MVP checked back into the game Denver would go on another run to keep Boston at bay.

That was all before a 40-minute delay caused by a monstrous Robert Williams dunk.

Boston’s offensive game improved following the delay, but it was too little, too late for the Celtics.

STARS OF THE GAME
— Jokic showed why he’s the back-to-back defending MVP on Sunday. The superstar center finished with 30 points, 12 assists, 12 rebounds and a steal — putting 20 of his 23 total shots in the hoop.

— Bones Hyland exploded in the fourth quarter, eventually finishing the game with 17 points and four assists. He was Denver’s go-to guy with Jokic on the bench.

— Jaylen Brown was the Celtics’ most consistent scoring threat, finishing the game with 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting. He also had three assists to go along with eight rebounds.

WAGER WATCH
DraftKings Sportsbook set the odds of Jokic recording a triple-double at +225. He secured the 91st of his career Sunday, meaning a $100 bet would have netted a total payout of $325.

UP NEXT
The Celtics will continue a four-game road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Tipoff from Paycom Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.