Nikola Jokic scores 30 points as the Nuggets distance themselves from the Celtics.

Nikola Jokic delivered another dominant performance on Wednesday night, recording 30 points and 12 rebounds to help the Denver Nuggets pull away for a 103-84 victory over the visiting Boston Celtics.

Feb 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Denver received balanced contributions across the roster despite playing most of the contest without star guard Jamal Murray. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 14 points, Julian Strawther chipped in 12, while Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas each finished with 11 points. Murray, an All-Star, exited early after playing just 7 minutes and 51 seconds due to illness. Although he was officially listed as questionable to return, he did not re-enter the game.

For Boston, Jaylen Brown paced the team with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Derrick White contributed 20 points, and Neemias Queta supplied 10. The Celtics entered the matchup in strong form, having won four consecutive games and nine of their previous 10. They ultimately wrapped up their Western Conference road swing with a solid 3-1 record despite the defeat.

The Nuggets, meanwhile, have been alternating between wins and losses over their past eight games, and this result continued that pattern.

Both teams endured shooting struggles throughout the first half. Boston connected on only 40.9 percent of its field-goal attempts and went 7-for-24 from beyond the arc, good for just 29.2 percent. Denver had an even tougher time finding its rhythm, shooting 33.3 percent overall and making 8 of 29 three-point attempts, a 27.6 percent clip.

White was the lone Celtic to establish any offensive consistency in the opening half. After failing to score in the first quarter, he erupted in the second, pouring in 18 of Boston’s 24 points during the period. The Colorado native was particularly sharp from long range, knocking down four of his five attempts from three-point territory in the quarter.

Despite Denver trailing by one at halftime, its offensive woes persisted early in the third quarter. The Nuggets missed four of their first five shots and committed two turnovers before eventually finding momentum late in the period.

With Boston holding a slim 67-66 advantage, Denver seized control with a decisive run. Hardaway and Johnson each converted layups to spark the surge. At the other end, Spencer Jones capitalized following a Nikola Vucevic miss, adding to the Nuggets’ tally. Jokic then stepped out and drilled a three-pointer to further swing the momentum.

Moments later, Brown committed a turnover that led to a dunk by KJ Simpson, extending Denver’s lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets had turned a one-point deficit into a 77-67 advantage heading into the final frame.

Denver carried that momentum into the fourth quarter. Valanciunas opened the period by scoring the first two baskets, pushing the lead to 14 points. Boston briefly halted its scoring drought when Baylor Scheierman connected on a three-pointer, but the Nuggets quickly responded. Hardaway buried a triple of his own, and Jones added a point by splitting a pair of free throws.

Valanciunas continued to make his presence felt, stretching the margin to 89-72 with a putback basket. With 5:33 remaining and the deficit firmly in double digits, Boston opted to remove its starters for the remainder of the contest.

Jokic’s steady production anchored Denver throughout, particularly as the team adjusted to Murray’s absence. His ability to score inside, stretch the floor, and control the glass proved pivotal as the Nuggets gradually wore down the Celtics’ defense.

While Boston showed flashes, particularly during White’s second-quarter outburst, the team struggled to maintain offensive efficiency across four quarters. Their shooting inconsistencies and turnovers in key moments allowed Denver to capitalize and build separation.

In the end, the Nuggets’ balanced scoring, defensive adjustments, and timely third-quarter run proved too much for the Celtics to overcome. The victory reinforced Denver’s resilience, especially under circumstances that required contributions beyond their usual backcourt leader.

Boston, despite the setback, concludes its road trip with a strong overall showing, though the loss halted its recent surge. Denver, meanwhile, continues its alternating trend of wins and defeats, but on this night, Jokic’s 30-point effort ensured the Nuggets emerged comfortably on top.