DENVER — The Denver Nuggets faced off against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night without the presence of their star center, Nikola Jokic, who was sidelined due to an illness. Jokic’s status changed throughout the day from probable to questionable, and ultimately to out, as he was seen departing the arena shortly before the game’s start.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone commented on the situation before the game, noting that Jokic had been feeling unwell the day before, and his condition had deteriorated. This absence was particularly tough for the team, as Jokic had recently been performing exceptionally well, averaging 36.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists. His impressive performance earned him the Western Conference Player of the Week title for the 16th time, a record for the franchise.
Malone acknowledged the challenge of replacing Jokic’s production in the lineup, stating, “we don’t have another guy averaging 32, 13 and 10.” These statistics highlight Jokic’s significant contributions to the team this season, including 31.5 points, 13 rebounds, and nearly 10 assists per game.
Despite the setback, Malone expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt. He emphasized the need to stick to their playing style, especially against the Celtics, who are renowned for their strong performance on both ends of the court. “We know that they are elite on both ends of the floor and whoever is available to play … just go out there and find a way, not an excuse,” he stated as the matchup was set to be a thrilling contest between the last two NBA champions.
The game was further complicated for the Nuggets as they were already without forward Aaron Gordon, who was out with a strained right calf. On the opposing team, Boston also faced challenges, missing guard Derrick White due to illness. White has been a vital player for the Celtics, averaging 17.1 points this season.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla underscored Jokic’s impact on the game, describing his playing style as one that provides a “clear identity” to the Nuggets. The match was noteworthy as both teams featured the reigning players of the week, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the encounter. Tatum had recently earned the Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors with averages of 25 points and eight rebounds, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
