This was the All-NBA forward’s most explosive scoring performance of the season, despite his costly missed free throws.
The Boston Celtics, who had the best record in the NBA, were defeated by the Denver Nuggets twice this season, making them the only club to accomplish it. The score was 115-109.
Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday did everything they could with their clutch shooting to keep Boston in it, with Holiday help-defending Niko. la JokicThe Celtics tried their best to limit him in those final minutes of the game, but Jayson Tatum made it possible for Jokic and Aaron Gordon’s connection to flourish. Gordon was able to receive lobs and clean up at the hoop because to his ability to break loose on the weak side of the baseline.
Jaylen Brown led the charge offensively for Boston with his 41 points and 14 rebounds, even though, along with the Celtics mistakes, his seven missed free throws may have been the main difference in the game. Outside of Jayson Tatum, each Celtic mostly had an answer in the clutch offensively.
Aside from some of his assistance in the paint, Brown felt that he should have accepted the Jokic assignment because of his vocal and developed leadership this season.
“Jokic is simply an incredible player,” the All-NBA forward exclaimed. “We threw some different coverages at him; we guarded him one-on-one; we tried to have late help; and stuff like that.”
With 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, the two-time MVP recorded another incredible triple-double.
“I felt like I should have guarded Jokic a little bit—a little more,” Brown stated. “I kind of wish I could have gotten those chances. We could have prevented some of their layups if I had kept him away from the hoop. However, I believe that we still had a great opportunity to win this game; we just fell short.”
