Denver Nuggets Stun Celtics with a Fourth-Quarter Rally
In a tightly contested showdown at Boston on January 7, 2026, the Denver Nuggets found their footing when it mattered most, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit to edge the Boston Celtics 114-110. The win highlighted a balanced attack and a decisive late surge that capped off a memorable evening for Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson.
Key Performances Lead Denver to Victory
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 22 points and 17 assists, orchestrating the offense with a steady hand and finding teammates in spots they could convert. His playmaking was crucial in a game that demanded late-game poise, especially as Boston tried to control momentum down the stretch. Peyton Watson provided a breakout performance, scoring 30 points and giving Denver an extra scoring punch that stretched the Celtics’ defense beyond the arc and into the paint. Watson’s aggressive attack and efficient scoring helped Denver answer every Celtics run.
Turning Point: The 14-0 Run
The decisive moment came late in the fourth quarter when Denver unleashed a 14-0 run that flipped the game on its head. After Boston briefly regained the lead, the Nuggets locked in on both ends of the floor—stifling Celtics possessions with tighter rotations and converting crucial baskets on the other end. The stretch created enough cushion for Denver to hold off Boston’s late push, resulting in a final margin that didn’t reflect the Celtics’ resilience throughout the night.
What Each Team showed
Denver demonstrated its depth and versatility, weathering Boston’s defenses by leveraging Murray’s floor vision and Watson’s scoring burst. The Nuggets’ defense tightened in the closing minutes, contesting shots and forcing key misses that turned into fast-break opportunities. Boston, meanwhile, fought to protect home court advantage, showcasing a balanced attack that included timely contributions from multiple players. The contrast in San Antonio-style ball movement versus Boston’s spacing created an intriguing chess match with several momentum shifts.
Stat line and Takeaways
Beyond Murray’s 22/17 line and Watson’s 30, the Nuggets received important support from the supporting cast, which helped them maintain pressure when the Celtics attempted to pull away. Rebounding and playmaking were decisive, with Denver’s ability to respond quickly to Boston’s runs making the difference. For Boston, the loss underscored the importance of maintaining rhythm in the late minutes and converting opportunities during a pivotal stretch of the game.
What’s Next for The Nuggets and Celtics
Denver will look to build on this performance as they continue a road-heavy portion of their schedule, aiming to sustain the blend of guard play and scoring depth that carried them to a late-fourth-quarter victory. Boston will regroup at home, reviewing late-game situational defense and offensive ball movement as they seek to reestablish consistency in high-leverage moments. Both teams can take away lessons about execution, pace, and the importance of maintaining momentum across four quarters.
Bottom line: Denver’s late surge carried them past Boston, 114-110, as Murray’s all-around night and Watson’s 30 points provided the edge in a tightly contested clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
