Celtics powered past a Jokic-less Nuggets team in Denver on Tuesday night, grabbing an impressive 8-point win on the road. The defending champs had to play without their superstar, as Nikola Jokic was sidelined by a last-minute illness.
Jayson Tatum took full advantage, dropping 29 points to lead all scorers in what turned out to be a pretty one-sided affair.
But it wasn’t just Tatum’s show. Kristaps Porzingis put on a clinic that had his teammate raving after the game.
“Those guys did a great job making plays, and especially KP,” Tatum said. “The force that he played with tonight on both ends, that block on DJ, and the way he attacked… it really changed everything.”
Porzingis gave fans a scare when he took a shot to the groin from Zeke Nnaji, but he bounced back quickly. The big man later revealed he’s feeling about “80-85%” recovered from his summer leg surgery.
The real story of the night might have been Russell Westbrook, who nearly grabbed another triple-double even in defeat. The veteran guard put up 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, showing he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Tatum couldn’t help but fanboy a little when talking about Westbrook after the game.
“Love Russ to death,” he gushed. “I was in high school watching him when he first got to the league. You just cherish those moments where you play against legends.”
Westbrook’s been a perfect fit in Denver this year. The nine-time All-Star is putting up solid numbers (12.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists per game), and the Nuggets are an impressive 10-4 when he starts.
At 35, Westbrook might finally have his best shot at that elusive championship ring – once Jokic gets back on the court, of course.
