The Boston Celtics, who started the season with a perfect home record, suffered their first loss at home against the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics had an impressive 20-0 record at home before facing the Nuggets, making them the only team in NBA history to remain undefeated through the first two months of a season.
The game against the Nuggets was highly anticipated, as it was seen as a potential NBA Finals preview. However, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets had other plans. Jokic, who was playing with a heavy heart following the sudden passing of his mentor, Warriors assistant Dejan Milijovic, delivered a stellar performance to lead his team to victory.
Jokic displayed his talent and resilience on the court, finishing the game with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. His performance not only showcased his individual skills but also served as a tribute to his late mentor. The Celtics had an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds, but Jason Tatum's shot fell short, sealing the Nuggets' 102-100 victory.
While the Celtics' perfect home record came to an end, their accomplishments were still remarkable. No NBA team has ever managed to remain undefeated at home throughout an entire season, making the Celtics' achievement a significant feat in itself.
In other basketball news, the Atlanta Hawks have had an eventful week, with Dejante Murray emerging as a clutch performer. In one game against the Orlando Magic, Murray hit a buzzer-beater to secure a win for the Hawks. And in their most recent game, the Hawks found themselves trailing by 2 points in the closing seconds. However, Murray once again rose to the occasion, pulling up from a long-range and sinking a three-pointer with just 2 seconds left on the clock. This shot secured a narrow 109-108 victory for the Hawks.
Murray's clutch performances have garnered attention and praise, and when asked about his success in those pressure-filled moments, he confidently stated that he is built for those situations.
The Celtics may have suffered their first home loss of the season, but their remarkable start has undoubtedly made them a formidable team to watch. As for Murray and the Hawks, their recent clutch performances highlight their resilience and ability to excel under pressure, making them a team to keep an eye on as the season progresses.