The Nuggets almost survived to Jokic’s return. They were down 88-84. The last minute without him was a near-death sentence, though. Sam Hauser knocked down a transition drive-and-kick 3-pointer to bring the house down with 8:11 to go, highlighting a 6-0 burst.

The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are two teams who have never faced off in the NBA playoffs, but it's a matchup fans have been clamoring to see. Until the day comes when the two teams can face off in the NBA Finals,

What can the Nuggets expect in the playoffs? Opposing defenses will dare non-shooters to shoot, yes, but offenses will target perceived weaknesses on Denver’s defensive end, too.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, drives past Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Celtics guard Jaylen ...

The Celtics were able to avoid blowing a 20-point lead for the second straight game due to some clutch shot-making.

The two most recent NBA champions are playing well enough to reach the finals, and as we saw Sunday, it would be a compelling matchup.

On Sunday afternoon, the Boston Celtics picked up an impressive home victory over the Denver Nuggets despite playing without both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The win brought the Celtics’ rare two-game losing skid to a halt and gave them a boost of confidence as the season approaches its final stretch.

The Boston Celtics cruised to a victory over the Denver Nuggets 110-103 in a game that could be repeated in the NBA Finals.

Mar 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the basket defended by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at TD Garden. After the opening tip, which was won by Boston, it appeared that center Luke Kornet landed on Jokic's foot after the jumpball, and Jokic limped back on defense.

The Boston Celtics will host the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden for one of the highly anticipated clashes from Saturday’s slate.