Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Kristaps Porzingis on Loss to Nuggets: ‘It Stings Real Bad'
The Boston Celtics have now lost back-to-back games for the first time in four months after falling to the Denver Nuggets, 115-109.
Turnovers were Boston's downfall, as the Celtics' ball security was mediocre, along with their missed free throws being a huge missed opportunity.
Jaylen Brown had a stellar 41 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists on 16-29 from the field, but his 7-14 at the stripe cost the Celtics, with them being 16-25 as a team.
Boston had 12 turnovers compared to just two in their last meeting with Denver, as Jayson Tatum had five himself on a night where he was just not himself. The MVP candidate was held quiet with 15 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.
Most people's MVP, Nikola Jokic, was once again in control and took over when things got close with another masterful 32-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Jokic led the charge, as Denver typically got a great shot offensively each time down when it mattered most. His chemistry with Aaron Gordon and his knowing when to crash from the baseline and clean things up with monster jams played a large part.
Kristaps Porzingis had a great performance and hit a lot of big shots to keep Boston in it, including two threes to open the second half and bring it back to a one-possession game. He had 24 points and 12 rebounds and even did a decent job containing Jokic in closing time, with Jrue Holiday helping. Holiday's clutch threes were key as well.
The seven-foot-three center talked about how the Celtics really wanted this one.
"I mean, of course we wanted to; you know, this was a big game; we wanted to win this one," Porzingis said.
Porzingis knew a win would have really opened eyes on the big stage for the team heavily favorited to win it this season. Especially those who were panicking after Boston's collapse in Cleveland, knowing they do not usually lose two in a row.
"It stings; it stings real bad, but I like that there's a big margin we can improve from this game. Not always going to go your way, of course, not going to have perfect games, but what I like is that there is a margin for us to get better, to play better," the Celtics center added.
The Celtics are hopeful they can once again learn from this one in Denver, with them not having a stretch like this in quite some time. Despite their historic success, Boston knows they still need to get better in order to eventually take down the defending champions and raise their awaited banner.
"It's possible that we hope to see them again."
Further Reading
'So Be It': Jayson Tatum's Focus Was Never MVP Case That's Likely Closed
Warriors' 'Disrespect' Only One Source of Fuel for Jaylen Brown Sunday
'The Best Team in the NBA': Luka Doncic Struck by Celtics' Balance
Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
