The Celtics hunted Jamal Murray on Sunday. Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Murray should almost take it as a sign of disrespect

What can the Nuggets expect in the playoffs? Opposing defenses will dare non-shooters to shoot, yes, but offenses will target perceived weaknesses on Denver’s defensive end, too.

The Celtics controlled the game from the start and this time closed the game out against a potential contender.

The Boston Celtics avoided their first three-game losing streak of the season on Sunday, thanks in large part to a vintage performance by Al Horford.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, center, drives past Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, in the ...

The Boston Celtics outlasted the Denver Nuggets in a 110-103 win. Boston had a 20-point lead but nearly lost it after a Denver comeback. Jaylen Brown had 22 points.

The two most recent NBA champions are playing well enough to reach the finals, and as we saw Sunday, it would be a compelling matchup.

The Nuggets almost survived to Jokic’s return. They were down 88-84. The last minute without him was a near-death sentence, though. Sam Hauser knocked down a transition drive-and-kick 3-pointer to bring the house down with 8:11 to go, highlighting a 6-0 burst.