Celtics pull away against spunky Nuggets.

The Nuggets wanted more than a 4-piece when they tussled with the visiting Celtics, running up and down their floor in the Mile High City, nailing crisp shots to stay within striking distance before ultimately coming up short against Boston, despite a healthy start that activated the Celtics into comeback mode, as Denver was decisively outscored in the 2nd quarter 30-17.

In the loss, Denver, after failing to complete the comeback midway through the 4th quarter, started hitting shots again, sharing the ball well courtesy of Ty Lawson (21 points, 11 assists), but the clock worked against them as they narrowed Boston's pull-away lead to a final difference of 9 points, 112-103. Danillo Gallinari had a monster performance (35 points, 19 rebounds), leading the frenetic if not folly charge. Denver's supporting cast made things interesting for Boston: JaVale McGee had 16 points and 15 rebounds, Wilson Chandler had 12 points and Andre Iguodala had 14 points and 6 assists, while also playing hard on defense.

Although they were put on their heels in the 1st quarter, the Boston Celtics powered back on the road and Roy Hibbert (20 points, 20 rebounds) had his best outing yet as a member of the green team, using his imposing size and length to dominate the flailing Nuggets defensive line. Kevin Garnett had one less with 20 points and 7 rebounds, Kevin Martin had 20 and 11 assists, outperforming Rajon Rondo who had a modest showing with just 13 points and 6 assists by comparison.

The rest of Boston's bench played well and needed to do so, since "The Truth" was only 1-8 from the field and looked haggard all night. Josh Howard took Pierce's place with 11 points, Villanueva effectively gave 10 and Carlos Delfino chipped in 7. This victory once again proves that when Boston is shooting well, they become quite the formidable squadron.