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00:00Alright, Malika, the NBA's hottest team and perhaps biggest surprise will be on display tonight at TD Garden.
00:07The Boston Celtics shoot for their fifth straight win, hosting the Denver Nuggets.
00:12And Jalen Brown might be playing the best basketball of his career, including his finals MVP run two years ago.
00:21We welcome you to NBA Courtside, presented by Michelob Ultra.
00:25Since December 1st, the Celtics have the NBA's best record, going 12-3 during that span.
00:32Hi everybody, Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, and Angel Gray.
00:35Well, when Jason Tatum got hurt in the playoffs last year, and the Celtics started 0-3 this year,
00:41Doris, no one expected Boston to be in this position, second in the Eastern Conference.
00:45But here they are, and Jalen Brown truly is the face of one of the NBA's best stories.
00:50The added responsibility has brought out the absolute best on both sides of the ball for Jalen Brown.
00:56And the most impressive part of this, yes, his usage is up, and therefore his productivity is up.
01:01He's developed his game methodically.
01:03That three-point shot is now a legit weapon.
01:05He can get downhill. He's shooting tremendous in the mid-range.
01:09But this is what I love. He's always been a guy who sought out challenges.
01:12Think back to that finals run. He goes after Luka Doncic.
01:15Well, in the 50-piece he put up two games ago, he also guarded Kawhi Leonard.
01:20You want to talk about an MVP candidate, let's start with Jalen Brown,
01:23because he has been nothing short of sensational.
01:26Tied for fifth in the NBA in scoring with Nikola Jokic.
01:29And speaking of Jokic, he will not play tonight for Denver.
01:32It's the fifth straight game that he's missed, but the Nuggets are 2-2 without him.
01:35And Doris, they beat Philly the other night with no starters and just nine available players.
01:39Down their top seven scorers, and every win you grind out without Nikola is massive in the competitive West.
01:45And go across the board, Peyton Watson had 24.
01:50Spencer Jones, an enormous tip to end the game.
01:53And Jalen Pickett puts seven threes and 29 points.
01:57A tribute to playing hard, playing together, and having a staff prepare you well.
02:01What a win for Denver.
02:02But many of their key pieces return tonight as they look for their NBA best 15th road victory.
02:10It's Denver and Boston coming up.
02:12We'll head back to the studio after this.
02:19NBA Courtside is presented by Michelob Ultra Zero.
02:23Zero alcohol, just 29.
02:26It's all the same way.
02:27And what he does is he gets to his spot, and because he's so physically strong and he's so physically gifted,
02:34his fadeaway, which would typically you would say go straight up and down on your shot,
02:38he's able to create balance because of his athleticism, even though he's fading away,
02:43a la Michael Jordan, a la Kobe Bryant.
02:46Those guys have been great at it.
02:48Okay.
02:48How's he doing?
02:49The first thing is, we're going to have Coach Malone going on me.
02:53Who else?
02:55You're the screener.
02:56I got this.
02:56Because first thing, wait, first thing, Coach said he was doing all day,
03:01you better get in the weight room if you're guarding Jalen Brown.
03:03Which he's been doing.
03:03And that's what he's been doing.
03:04And then the first thing, because Jalen Brown is saying,
03:06I put a little hot sauce right here, you're going to have to eat this.
03:09And so right now, he's going to be physical with you.
03:11And his physicality is going to get him to his spot.
03:14The pick and roll.
03:15Now, even if Coach gets over it, now I can use my physicality to bump.
03:19And now, because he's so good and so athletically gifted,
03:23it doesn't matter if his body isn't squared up.
03:25Same thing in the post.
03:26If he gets into the post, he's so physically gifted,
03:30put the hot sauce on that shoulder.
03:31And now you put the hot sauce on the chicken.
03:33Boom.
03:33And now, when I turn away from the defense,
03:37I'm creating so much space, even if I'm fading,
03:40I can still, hopefully, no.
03:42I got the Euro cut in.
03:43I got the Euro cut in.
03:44You got one more shot before we do the game.
03:45I can get it in.
03:46Get it in.
03:47I got to get in there.
03:48He may not be making it.
03:49He may not be watching that.
03:51Tip off in TD Garden coming up right after this.
03:53Hot sauce on the shoulder, baby.
03:54Some have in his bag, some have in his bag.
03:57As the calendar turns a new year, new challenges arise.
04:01How we deal with adversity, and we got to focus on what's in here.
04:05Next minute.
04:07New realities emerge.
04:1050 for Jalen Brown.
04:13MVP chance, baby.
04:15New opportunities appear, and new possibilities await.
04:19I enjoy the drill.
04:21Dude, I was built different.
04:23Yeah, you know the drill.
04:24You know the drill.
04:25Hey, yeah, go.
04:28It's going to start with me and Luca every time we hit the floor.
04:30It's like a month and a half stretch right before all-star break is when you see best teams in the league start to separate themselves.
04:40Forging ahead through any circumstance is the only path forward.
04:45Welcome to NBA Wednesday, presented by State Farm.
04:57A tremendous doubleheader to kick off the new year, starting with the Celtics and Nuggets, two of the last three NBA champions squaring off in Boston.
05:08Starting lineups delivered by Taco Bell.
05:11Richard, White, Brown, Hauser, and Cata.
05:14This has been the starting five for most of the year for the Celtics at 23-12.
05:19Winners of four straight and eight of nine.
05:22Back for Denver.
05:23Murray, Brown, Aaron Gordon, who will not start but will play, along with Jones, Watson, and Holmes.
05:30Hayden Watson has been a revelation for Denver, a big reason why the Nuggets are 24-12 and have the best road mark in the NBA, 14-7.
05:44Last of a seven-game road trip for Denver tonight.
05:47They left the day after Christmas.
05:49They've been gone since.
05:51And Boston playing the second of four in a row at home.
05:54They beat Chicago on Monday to start this home state.
06:05Here is Jalen Brown, very much in the first-team All-NBA, an MVP conversation as we near the midway point.
06:13Game 36 for the Celtics.
06:15The flooring by White is no good and poked out to Murray.
06:18Jamal Murray's only missed a couple games but didn't play in Denver's last game because of an ankle injury.
06:28Career-best numbers in scoring and assists for Murray.
06:31And likely an All-Star this year for the first time in his brilliant career.
06:35And right on cue with the floater.
06:37Obviously playing a little bit differently without Nikola Jokic.
06:40They're playing more pick and roll.
06:42But you make an excellent point.
06:44He has played at an All-Star level.
06:45And the thing that's different about this year is he's a notoriously slow starter to the season.
06:51This year he's been, from the outset, terrific.
06:54David Adelman, the first-year head coach for Debra, said he's been much more vocal as a leader this year.
06:59As Jones goes body-to-body defensively against Jalen Brown.
07:03And an empty Boston possession.
07:06Here's Peyton Watson.
07:08Four straight 20-point games for the fourth-year pro out of UCLA.
07:13It's an enormous year for him.
07:14So his growth on the offensive end is important for his future.
07:18Murray in and out on the jumper.
07:22And Kata averaging eight rebounds per game.
07:24And ten points gets the board.
07:26Here's Brown on the pull-up.
07:27Drain's a three.
07:28Just so confident shooting that basketball.
07:31Just a shade under six three-point attempts this year.
07:35Remember, there was a long stretch last year where he went away from that aspect of his game.
07:42Brown already has 20, 30-point games as he commits a foul here, knocking Murray to the ground.
07:49Brown's career high for 30-point games is 22.
07:52He had that back in 2023.
07:55The only time he made All-NBA.
07:57And he was second-team All-NBA that season.
07:59Maybe the most impressive thing is the efficiency and the involvement of his teammates.
08:07The balance between scoring, navigating, and playing defense.
08:11And he is one of the best defensive players in the league.
08:13Spencer Jones, great hustle there to break up that alley-oop pass intended for Kata.
08:17If you don't know Spencer Jones, that's him in a nutshell right there.
08:22Let's just watch Jalen Brown, who's fronting on the post, tips it away, and tries to turn this to the offensive end.
08:31You're right about Spencer Jones.
08:33And they've got a lot of these guys that they found either in the draft or college free agents who have been impact players.
08:41As that one hits the shot clock.
08:43And so Jalen Brown is one for three to start the game.
08:45Spencer, what an incredible win for Denver the other night.
08:50Every single starter, down.
08:52Six of your top seven scores, down.
08:55I mean, listen, Philadelphia was on the uptick.
08:59There's no minutes restrictions on their best guys anymore.
09:02Like, they were playing terrific basketball.
09:04That is a monumental win.
09:07Murray's three swishes through.
09:09And Murray has all five Denver points.
09:12You wonder how they come out tonight, right?
09:14You're thinking, I just want to get home.
09:15You've been on the road for an eternity.
09:177,000 miles have been covered.
09:19This first quarter is huge for this team.
09:23Denver fourth in the west, but just a game out of second in the loss column.
09:28Boston second in the east.
09:30Richards three off the heel.
09:31Celtics just three games out of first.
09:33The Pistons holding down that number one seed.
09:37There's Watson draining that triple, his first shot of the game.
09:41You've never seen him this confident on the offensive end.
09:44I mean, his willingness on every open shot, for the most part, to pull the trigger and be a legit option.
09:50But to your point, on Peyton Watson, already 39 made threes, made 48 all of last year.
10:04Murray can't connect.
10:05Kata the rebound.
10:06Boston just one for six from the floor.
10:11Brown trying to go downhill.
10:13Good ball movement.
10:14Corner three.
10:14White, it's good.
10:16That's all initiated, though, by what you said.
10:19Jalen Brown, two feet in the paint, below the free throw line.
10:22Swing, swing, three.
10:25Both buckets for Boston have been threes.
10:27No surprise, they lead the league once again in made threes at 16 per game.
10:32Murray on the drive and kick.
10:33Watson wide open.
10:35Got another one.
10:36Peyton Watson has hit both his attempts from behind the arc.
10:39So they didn't extend him, right?
10:41Have a chance.
10:41He'll become a restricted free agent.
10:43Some conversations about whether he's going to be here long term.
10:46As Houser gets another three.
10:48I mean, a massive, massive year for Peyton Watson.
10:52Just 23 years old.
10:54His ball handling has improved greatly.
10:56We touched on his confidence growing as a shooter.
10:58As Holmes gets to the rim, but comes up short on the dunk attempt.
11:02Playing just his eighth NBA game.
11:05He missed all of last year due to injury.
11:08Brown short on the triple try.
11:09Batted to White.
11:12Brown puts it on the deck and flies to the rim.
11:16Eee!
11:18I mean, that's always been in the arsenal.
11:23He had missed the three.
11:24And on the catch, I wondered, would he pull the trigger?
11:28But he sees that lane open up.
11:30And listen to the crowd already.
11:32You know Celtic fans are great.
11:33They appreciate their team regardless of the record.
11:37But in a year like this where they've surprised everybody,
11:41the start of the game sometimes is louder than it's been in the second half of games in recent years,
11:46even though they've been great.
11:49White up top.
11:50No good on the three.
11:54So Boston, three of seven from three.
11:56Denver, three of four from three.
11:58And the game tied five minutes in.
12:03Holmes for empty.
12:04I like it.
12:05I like it.
12:06Boston decides to blitz Jamal Murray.
12:08So if you're Jamal, get off it quick.
12:10Right?
12:10Let your teammate have a clean look because you're drawing all that gravity.
12:15Holmes now seven of 15 from three on the season.
12:18Brown, and he thought he was fouled, knocked out of bounds.
12:21Watson, an excellent defender, met him in the air.
12:25So Jalen Brown, a slow start shooting.
12:29So what does he do?
12:30Take it to the rim and throw it down.
12:38Welcome back to TD Garden.
12:40Well, the Nuggets are relieved that they get bodies back for tonight's game.
12:43But injuries have plagued them throughout this season, including to their three-time MVP,
12:47Nicola Jokic, who is still working his way back from a hyper-extended knee.
12:51Now, yesterday, as far as his progression, we heard from our own Sean Sharani about his
12:56aggressive rehab that leads to a return window for him at the end of January.
13:02And I've also heard no later than the All-Star break.
13:05But as far as his team, they said we have to look forward.
13:07And they remain resilient despite 16 different starting lineups.
13:11The team source told me because of their strong culture, standard is the standard.
13:16And they're ready for Austin Aereo.
13:18Zeke Nagy also added, months ago, Coach Adaman told them their roster is so deep and talented
13:23that on any random night, it could be anyone's night.
13:26And if he believes, we believe.
13:27And I would say, guys, we saw that in Philly.
13:30Absolutely.
13:31Again, with just nine players and no normal starters, as Holmes hits another three.
13:35Denver's five of six from three.
13:37But back to Jokic.
13:38It's good news to hear Angel's report that it's going to be a few weeks for Jokic because obviously Denver needs him to win.
13:44But also, when you think about it, as Brown hits a three, getting to that 65-game threshold, which you have to to be considered for the MVP,
13:51because Jokic is probably the frontrunner right now.
13:54I mean, unequivocally, in my mind, the frontrunner.
13:56You think about his MVPs, he's actually exceeded the level of all of those MVP trophies.
14:03He's been the best player in basketball, and to me, it hasn't been close.
14:07Averaging a 30-point triple-double while leading the league in assists and rebounds.
14:11They're going to call Garza for a foul on the block against Jones.
14:16I shouldn't say it hasn't been close at all because, obviously, Shea Gilgis-Alexander is off to another incredible start.
14:21But to me, as you said, the frontrunner and the clear frontrunner.
14:25And for Jones at the 1-0, shooting two.
14:29They call the foul on Hauser.
14:32Garza thought it was against him.
14:35So free throws for Jones.
14:37And you wonder, Dave, if he does not make the 65-game threshold.
14:44Let's say he plays 63.
14:48You know, how do you look on the rule that requires you to get to 65?
14:54You know, it's impacting not just the MVP, first, second, 13,
14:59which obviously impacts contracts and money.
15:01Yep.
15:02Midway point of the first quarter.
15:08Brown got the defender off his feet and scores inside.
15:11Jalen Brown already with 10 points.
15:1310 of the 16 for the Celtics.
15:15There's a patience and a control that he's playing with.
15:18You'd think when he entered the league, very athletic.
15:21You could give him a cushion on his jump shooting to protect against a drive.
15:25He's just methodically built his game.
15:27And his feel for the game, along with that improved three-point shot.
15:33Hauser.
15:33In and out.
15:34Pritchard got the rebound.
15:37Simons on the floor.
15:39Speaking of awards, he's certainly in the conversation.
15:42Midway point.
15:43Nearing the midway point of the season for sixth man.
15:45Brown rising.
15:46Hitting again.
15:47Jalen Brown with 13 points in seven minutes.
15:52Agree!
15:55Career high in assists, scoring, shooting for Jalen Brown in his 10th season.
16:02His scoring average this year is about seven points per game higher than it was a year ago.
16:08He was north of 30 points.
16:10Only Tatum and Byrne have done that.
16:12And it's Hauser.
16:14No!
16:14A shooter of his caliber with the wedging.
16:18That'll be a jump ball.
16:20Eight points for Jalen Brown in the last minute and 50 seconds.
16:24I think he's more entertained by the shot by Hauser.
16:27He might give him the business.
16:29But Jones is on him.
16:31He's just using that jab step.
16:34Sort of shot fake.
16:35And the confidence with which he is playing.
16:39Handled tighter.
16:40The balance between scoring and involving your teammates.
16:44What a season for this guy.
16:47Just 29 years old.
16:49Four all-star appearances.
16:50Three in a row.
16:51We mentioned the one-second team All-NBA.
16:54If you look at his finals MVP that season.
16:58Or that series.
16:59He averaged about 20 points per game.
17:00He played great, obviously.
17:01As the Celtics won the championship.
17:04But feels like he's at a different level right now.
17:08Gordon checking in.
17:10Promptly tries a three.
17:11And it's no good.
17:12Aaron Gordon playing just his 15th game of the season.
17:15Hardaway.
17:16Can't get the second chance basket.
17:18Boy, Spencer Jones just plays so hard.
17:21Brown.
17:23And again hits the shot clock.
17:25He's taking ten shots already.
17:27The rest of the team has attempted nine.
17:29He pretty much knows, though, he's going to have to score 30 a night for the Celtics to keep up this great offense.
17:38They're number two in the league right now on offensive rating without Jason Tatum, which is crazy.
17:43Murray on the pull-up.
17:45Front rimmed it.
17:46Hung on the rim a second and then fell off and out of bounds to Boston.
17:49You make a great point.
17:51I mean, the Celtics, number two to this Denver Nuggets team in offensive efficiency.
17:56And the numbers they're putting up are nothing short of remarkable on the team.
18:01Their highest usage player.
18:03They're all NBA player multiple seasons in a row.
18:06Still don't know when or if he'll be back this season, Tatum.
18:11Garza inside.
18:12Spinning.
18:13Going it hard away and banking it in.
18:15You see some of the size challenges, right?
18:18I mean, Garza's got a little size advantage on the interior.
18:23Garza's played well his first year here in Boston.
18:26Former National Player of the Year at Iowa.
18:29Watson.
18:30The defender flies by.
18:32Watson makes him pay.
18:33He is three of three from Dean.
18:35Come on, Dave.
18:35That requires incredible footwork and great confidence to do what he just did.
18:41Speaking of footwork, on the follow-way, Jalen Brown up to 15 points already.
18:48Doris touched down in the open.
18:50That 50-point game he had on Saturday, tying a career high.
18:54On pace for another one so far.
18:58Watson on the drive and a reach-in foul called on Garza.
19:01That is the third team foul.
19:03Still none yet on Denver.
19:04That's a one-point Celtic lead.
19:07Brown off to a hot start here at home.
19:11The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
19:16Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
19:18And in Barba.
19:21So, we wonder if Christian Brown get over his season average of 11 points per game.
19:25He's got to find his footing.
19:26He's accustomed to playing with Nikola Jokic.
19:28She's been out seven weeks.
19:30I'm going to go the over on Jalen Brown to score 30.
19:34And not because he's got 15 already, but because he's made three for five from three-point territory.
19:39In the 50 he had, he went six for 10.
19:42It sets up every other aspect.
19:43And the other part of this, an undersized Denver team, it's going to open up windows for him to drive as well.
19:49So, I'm going over 30.
19:50DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
19:52Use promo code SPLASH when you sign off.
19:56Jalen Brown, the 13th time he's scored at least 15 points in any quarter this season.
20:01That is the most in the NBA.
20:03Taking 11 shots in nine and a half minutes.
20:07Meanwhile, Denver's first foul of the game is against Bruce Brown.
20:11He's up about nine touches per game, but he's taking almost 36% of the Boston possessions.
20:20His usage is as high as it's ever been, obviously.
20:24He's been healthy, missing just two games this season.
20:28A little zone here by Denver.
20:30Simon shoots over it and cans a three.
20:33The seven three-pointer for Boston already.
20:36Make that the 6-3, 26-24.
20:38Garza hits the deck.
20:41That allows Watson to drive and kick.
20:44Hardaway spots up, and he hits a three.
20:46They're 7 of 11 from three-point range.
20:48They are, that was the key the other night, is guys came out firing from three.
20:55White off the Garza screen, gets it back to him.
20:58Garza, a little out of control, but able to collect and finish with the left hand.
21:02I think he'd tell you that was his de-cell move, that he wasn't out of control.
21:05He was a tremendous college player, was a second-round pick, was with Detroit for a year, three in Minnesota.
21:15It was hard to get in the rotation there with Minnesota because of all the players Boston lost,
21:20and we talked a lot about Tatum, of course, but Porzingis, Horford, Holiday, Cornette.
21:25That's five key players in their rotation that are not, they're either on other teams or hurt.
21:31As Derek White picks up his first foul, that gave Garza an opportunity.
21:35And Joe Mazzula has done a terrific job this year, told us before the game that Garza and others have made the most of these opportunities they're getting.
21:43Listen, Boston a season ago had the deepest, best center rotation in the league.
21:47Three legit guys.
21:49KP, Al Horford, Luke Cornette.
21:52And for Kato and Garza, who, for a stretch, was out of the rotation.
22:00For these two guys to hold up at the center spot the way they have has been an integral part of what has happened.
22:06Listen, Derek White, great two-way basketball.
22:08I know his shooting has been up and down, but he remains an elite defender.
22:11Peyton Pritchard, really shooting the basketball well, as are a lot of Celtics from November 12th forward.
22:17There's been so many little things going into the Celtics storyline.
22:24White driving a Najee and gets it to fall.
22:28Now, Derek White with five points.
22:30Even though Boston beat Chicago two nights ago, he was three for 15 and one of ten from three.
22:36But they can survive four nights from White and Pritchard and still win this year.
22:43Which, again, nobody thought would be the case with all the guys they lost.
22:47Shot clock down to five.
22:49Gordon looking at drive.
22:50The pull-up jumper is good for Aaron Gordon, his first points of the game.
22:54Very good contest from Gonzalez.
22:56That's just A.G.
22:58A.G.'s presence changes his team.
23:01His ability to float on the baseline.
23:03Ability to create some offense.
23:06Another three-pointer for Boston.
23:09That's Derek White's second and the seventh for the Celtics.
23:13What a first quarter.
23:15A combined 14 threes.
23:17As the three that time was no good from Murray.
23:21About a six-second difference in the game and shot clocks here at the end of the first with Boston up two.
23:25On the switch, Najee has White.
23:30And now Hardaway with Simons guarded by Najee looking to take him off the dribble.
23:35Shot clock down to five.
23:37White blows past Gordon all the way to the rim.
23:42Boy, great patience in that sequence by the Celtics.
23:47Five seconds to go.
23:50Murray with two.
23:52With one.
23:53Got it away in time, but it's no good.
23:56Both teams shoot better than 50% from the floor and from behind the arc.
24:01And it's a four-point Celtics lead after one.
24:04We talked about Jalen Brown being an MVP candidate.
24:07You think he knows it's a national television night?
24:1015 and the first.
24:11Dynamic downhill driver doing some things.
24:13All right, second team.
24:14Wednesday, presented by State Farm.
24:19I am here with Peyton Watson, and I'll start on the defensive end for you guys first.
24:22Jalen Brown, a tough assignment, but 15 points in nine minutes.
24:26How can you contain him?
24:28We just got to find ways to make him uncomfortable.
24:30The great players, it's hard to completely stop them and cut their water off.
24:34But we got to find ways to make him uncomfortable, make him adjust, and do things that he doesn't want to do.
24:38So it's going to be hard, but it's going to be a concerted group effort.
24:41And they have to have a response for you, too, as well, on the offensive end.
24:44Eight assists on ten made field goals.
24:46How would you describe how the ball is flowing right now?
24:49I mean, the ball's popping.
24:50Like you said, that's the best way to play basketball.
24:52Everybody touch it.
24:53Everybody get in the rhythm.
24:54And just find ways to get guys open and get good looks.
24:58Thanks, Peyton.
24:59Thank you.
25:00Dave.
25:00Hey, Angel, you mentioned the assists.
25:03How about no turnovers for Boston in the first quarter as Aaron Gordon splashes home a three-pointer?
25:09Dave, I can't stress that enough.
25:11Boston took seven more shots than Denver in that first period.
25:14Joe Mazzula is about shot margin, the possession game.
25:18Low turnovers.
25:19They get a couple of offensive rebounds.
25:21Those two things contribute to them taking more shots, therefore giving themselves more opportunities to outscore their opponent.
25:29Simons gets inside.
25:31Still no free-throw attempts for Boston, yet 40 points were just a minute into the second quarter.
25:36A combined 16 threes in this game.
25:39Here's Jalen Pickett, the hero the other night for Denver, at a career-high 29 points.
25:44And the win at Philadelphia in 41 minutes.
25:47Shot clock down to three.
25:48Aaron pass collected by Hardaway with two.
25:51Brown has to put it up, and he did not get it away in time.
25:54A 24-second violation.
25:56It's like getting past a grenade.
26:02Go ahead and make this with .1s on the clock.
26:06Tim Hardaway did not think he could get one off against the double.
26:09Good recognition by the Celtics late clock.
26:11And the fourth turnover by the Nuggets here in the first half.
26:16Both teams come in with 12 losses on the year.
26:18Denver fourth in the West, but a game out of second in the loss column.
26:22Boston second in the East at 23-12.
26:27A game up on the Knicks.
26:28White no good.
26:29He's got 13.
26:30Well, Brown and White have combined for 28.
26:33Walsh gets fouled on the putback track.
26:36First free throws for Boston coming up.
26:38A really quiet first quarter for Peyton Watson.
26:43But 25 or 35 between Derek White and Jalen Brown.
26:48It's the beauty of the Celtics.
26:50Like two guys who late clock can go get you something.
26:53Derek White so good in that first quarter.
26:55Jordan Walsh, 83% free throw shooter.
26:59Foul was on Najee.
27:00Let's look at our upcoming national TV schedule.
27:02NBA TV tomorrow night.
27:03Miami's in Chicago.
27:05NBA TV Friday.
27:06The Thunder at Memphis.
27:07The Bucs are at the Lakers.
27:09Prime video Saturday.
27:10Cleveland against Minnesota.
27:11For more, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
27:15Oklahoma City Thunder.
27:17Six and six in their last 12 games.
27:20They've lost two in a row.
27:21Still have a four-game lead, though, over San Antonio for the best record in the Western Conference.
27:30Spurs play the Lakers tonight.
27:32Second game of our ESPN Wednesday doubleheader.
27:35Kick it with one on the timer.
27:37Hits the side of the rim out of bounds to Boston.
27:51Hugo Gonzalez, rookie out of Spain.
27:54Celtics have really enjoyed watching him play this year and really get off the bench for them.
28:00Fit in well.
28:01White, no good on the three.
28:03Batted out to pick it.
28:07Largest deficit for Denver.
28:10Three minutes gone by in the second quarter.
28:12Trailing by seven.
28:13Pick it off the Najee screen.
28:15Najee had a big game against Philly at 21 and eight rebounds.
28:21A lot of late shot clock situations this quarter, but Brown able to take it to the rim and get it off the window.
28:27Wow, that's two unbelievable challenges by Hugo Gonzalez, and two times he gets scored on.
28:32You can't hang your head of your him.
28:34Only 19 years old.
28:37Brown rips it away from White.
28:38Numbers for Denver.
28:40Najee.
28:40And a foul called as he was hit by Cato.
28:44He was trying to block the shot.
28:47And the first turnover of the game by the Celtics.
28:50And the first foul on Cato.
28:52First on the Celtics as a team here in the quarter.
29:01So, Najee, sixth year out of Arizona.
29:03We talked about his great game on Monday.
29:07They came out firing.
29:08They knew from the outset that David Adelman was telling us the pregame prep, their shoot-around was in a ballroom.
29:16And every single guy was locked in on the way they wanted to play, which was up-tempo, let it fly, and pack the paint defensively.
29:24All of the things they executed to perfection.
29:27And how about Najee?
29:28Right, a guy who's had such a difficult time gaining some traction.
29:32Like, hey, opportunity presents itself.
29:34Let me go give a shot here.
29:36There was an expectation to play great offense because of what Nikola Jokic has done.
29:41So, when he's not out there, there's a little pressure to keep that going because of what he's done for this organization.
29:48One of the best offensive teams in the league since he started becoming an MVP candidate a handful of years ago.
29:56Najee in the open floor, driving on White.
29:59Simons comes back, side for the swat, out of bounds.
30:02Come on, do you realize how elite that is, though, from Derek White to give his teammate time to come back?
30:08I mean, the discipline to stay in front of a guy who's got a head of steam, watch him backpedaling, but not out of reach of making the play.
30:17Like, this is discipline, it's footwork, and he gets a piece of that with his left hand.
30:22Like, this guy is absolutely brilliant defensively, Derek White.
30:26First-team all-defensive candidate for the way he's playing.
30:30About a steal and a half and a block and a half per game.
30:32Hardaway off the inbound pass.
30:35Knocks down a three.
30:36The ninth for Denver here in the first half, and they're back within one.
30:40It's a great equalizer in the game, right?
30:42The ability to make those shots from three.
30:44They lead the league in scoring, shooting, three-point shooting as well.
30:49Jalen Brown back on the court, got caught in the air, and turned it over.
30:53Excellent defense by Aaron Gordon.
30:55Yeah, Aaron Gordon.
30:57The number of different types of players you could put Aaron Gordon on defensively, just elite right there.
31:04Gordon missed 19 games with a hamstring injury.
31:07Came back, played against Brooklyn, and sat out Monday the second game of the back-to-back.
31:13Got a minutes restriction tonight, along with Murray and Brown.
31:17A misfire there, one and done.
31:20Peyton Pritchard looking for his first points.
31:220 for 3 from the floor.
31:24Brown off the screen.
31:27Brown got some airspace, instead drives on Najee.
31:30Spinning, falling away off one foot.
31:32Short, rebound Gordon.
31:34Boy, Najee, good job staying in front right there as well.
31:40Well, Najee's got length.
31:41Pretty good athlete, too.
31:42Gordon able to power that one up and in, and Denver has the lead.
31:46Timeout, Boston.
31:47Well, Aaron Gordon, that was Anthony Simons chucking him.
31:51Aaron Gordon's like, young man, I'm going to take you to the cup.
31:54Gives Denver the one-point lead.
31:55So, you heard Michael Malone in the pregame talking about how proud he is of Jamal's growth.
32:01Get off it early, right?
32:03No Jokic, so you're going to get blitzed a little bit more.
32:06Two to the ball.
32:07If you get off it quickly, good things happen.
32:09Doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get the assist.
32:11He gets it off early.
32:13The backfill by Peyton Watson, the shooting that's been on display from both teams has been pretty incredible.
32:19But that's just Jamal Murray, growth, maturity.
32:22He is electric in the playoffs.
32:25They need him to stay healthy.
32:27They need Aaron Gordon to stay healthy.
32:29That's been problematic the last couple years.
32:31But this, a legit team to win a championship if they are healthy and everyone's ready to go.
32:37Yeah, Gordon missed 30 games last year.
32:40During the regular season, Denver made it to the conference semis again,
32:43but lost in seven games to Oklahoma City.
32:47Here's Brown for a three, way off the mark.
32:50Rebound, Watson goes back up and lays it in for his first two-point basket.
32:54He has three threes.
32:57A 10-0 run by the Nuggets.
32:59They have 20 points from their bench, the guys that were the starters the other night.
33:04They've only committed two fouls.
33:06Meanwhile, it goes off the foot of a Boston player.
33:09And they're going to say a loose ball foul here.
33:14On Hauser.
33:17A foul on Hauser.
33:20His second personal.
33:23He was diving on the floor for the basketball.
33:29Joe Mazzoula not looking to the back bench
33:33to see if they want to challenge that.
33:37Year 4-4, Mazzoula got a well-earned contract extension in August.
33:41He and his staff have done a tremendous job.
33:43And obviously, after being Coach of the Month in the Eastern Conference in December,
33:47very much in the Coach of the Year conversation.
33:50I feel like he's going to save some timeouts in that challenge as long as he possibly can.
33:56Najee misses the three.
34:01Celtics closing in on five minutes now without a basket.
34:04Garza with the push shot.
34:05It's good for Pritchard.
34:14Midway point of the second quarter.
34:16The Celtics have won four in a row.
34:18That's the longest active streak in the league right now.
34:21Pickett no good on the shot attempt.
34:23A cold start for him after that 29-point game Monday.
34:27Brown working around the Garza screen.
34:29Keeps the bounce.
34:32Baylor-Shireman on the floor.
34:33Underneath to Garza for the lay-in.
34:36Garza, Garza a very smart interior cutter.
34:40So in the paint, he does such a good job of just looking for open windows.
34:45It's two possessions in a row.
34:47I believe Boston is now 9-for-15 in the paint.
34:52Watson on the step back.
34:54Good contest by Hauser.
34:56But Watson is red hot.
34:58He is 5-for-5 on the night.
34:59Brown looking for his first points in the second quarter at 15 in the first.
35:06He gets tangled up.
35:07And it's going to be a jump ball.
35:09Watson tapping Zeke Nagy.
35:12Watson had the initial guard of Jalen Brown.
35:15But you just heard in the interview with Angel, him say, hey, it's a team effort.
35:22So Nagy on that back line has got to be aware of what the guy guarding Jalen is doing.
35:27So Brown and Nagy will jump it up with Denver up one, five minutes to go in the second quarter.
35:38Denver finishing up a seven-game road trip.
35:41Not been home since the day after Christmas.
35:45They will take on the Hawks on Friday.
35:48And a loose ball foul here on the jump ball.
35:51It's going to go on Nagy for clearing out.
35:54Trying to win that jump.
35:56That's his second foul.
35:58And a second on Denver here in the quarter.
36:02Are they going to challenge this?
36:03They might.
36:04That's David Adelman just called a timeout.
36:07See if he asks Jonathan Sterling, the official, to review it.
36:14And it's going to be a coach's challenge.
36:16Denver, it's called a timeout to challenge a personal foul.
36:23Watch Nagy here on the jump ball.
36:26Contact with the off arm, but didn't look like much.
36:29A successful challenge.
36:31Watch the left hand of Jalen Brown.
36:33He's going to grab the right arm of Nagy first.
36:35And then you see the right arm of Nagy grab Brown's right arm.
36:39So they overturn the call on the floor.
36:41And it's a personal foul on Jalen Brown, his second and the third team foul.
36:45It's rare you see a foul on a jump ball.
36:47It's even more rare you see a coach's challenge on a jump ball.
36:50But Denver got it right.
36:53Officials caught the second foul, not the first.
36:56Now we have an equipment malfunction, a clock issue.
36:59Payton Watson, 13 points to pace Denver.
37:10Jamal Murray, five points and five assists.
37:14Watson for three.
37:15Good again.
37:15Payton Watson, six of six.
37:18Four of four from behind the arc.
37:19And they are 10-4, 20 from beyond the arc.
37:23What a shooting display by both teams.
37:25Boston, eight of 16.
37:28Step back, foul on J.
37:29Spins out for Brown.
37:30Garza there with the offensive rebound.
37:33Pritchard looking for his first basket.
37:35Hit it!
37:36Pritchard on the board.
37:38Boston back within one.
37:41Those offensive rebounds, something Boston does so well.
37:44They turn them into second chance points.
37:47It's been such an effective arsenal for them.
37:50Watson, ultra confident right now.
37:52His first miss of the game.
37:58Brown trying to get past Watson.
38:00Leans in and powers that one off the window and down.
38:03Plug against Notching.
38:04I thought he was an N-1 opportunity there.
38:07Took some contact on the way to the cup.
38:09First points in the quarter.
38:1117 on the night for Jalen Brown.
38:14Averaging 30 points per game.
38:16About 32 points per game the last month.
38:18Good defense again by the Celtics against Christian Brown.
38:23His first shot attempt of the game.
38:28On the turnaround, Jalen Brown gets it to roll home.
38:32Timeout by David Adelman.
38:34And that fadeaway, folks, has been a very, very effective tool for Mr. Jalen Brown.
38:41Number one in the league and fadeaways made and attempted.
38:46This is not something he did especially well a year ago.
38:50But this fade, he's feeling good about it, folks.
38:52Gets on balance.
38:54A lot of separation.
38:55And DePortes in the ESPN app tomorrow at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
39:03Miami taking on Ole Miss.
39:05Friday at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
39:07It's Oregon and Indiana.
39:09The number one seed coverage of both games starts at 7.30 Eastern.
39:14Hardaway misses a three.
39:15And Pritchard gets it to lose ball.
39:17The Celtics on a 7-0 run right now.
39:21Three-point lead for Boston at the three-minute mark.
39:24Pritchard in the lane working against Gordon.
39:30And it drops for Peyton Pritchard.
39:33You know, it's a little undersized.
39:35And obviously going against Gordon, you've got to get a little separation.
39:38His ability to touch me and somehow use footwork and guile to get to that shot.
39:43Gordon with the slam.
39:44Great find by Murray, who's got seven assists now.
39:47If you're on this team, you're just trying to hang tough, right?
39:50You're on the road, seventh game, 7,000 miles.
39:53All you want to do if you're Denver is make it to the fourth quarter and give yourself a shot.
39:59Fifth straight game they play without Nikola Jokic.
40:02They're 2-2 since Jokic hyperextended his knee on the second game of this road trip at Miami December 29th.
40:09He'll miss another few weeks at least.
40:11Murray scores with the left.
40:12Come on, how good is that?
40:14That ability to just change pace.
40:17And against contact, make it with your offhand.
40:20Wow.
40:20Pritchard, nice spin.
40:22And then weaving through a double team.
40:24It's poked away by Hardaway out of bounds.
40:2611 to shoot for Boston.
40:28Just watch Jamal Murray work in a one-on-one situation.
40:33Small-to-small screen.
40:35He eventually gets isolated.
40:37Garza comes over to help, but he's not an elite rim protector.
40:40Just great use of that left hand.
40:4325 points per game for Murray, a career high.
40:45Seven assists, a career high.
40:4745% from three, a personal best.
40:50Still in the All-Star Game appearances for Jamal Murray.
40:54But this year looks like the year.
40:57Brown inside, couldn't get it to fall.
40:58Murray in the open court.
40:59Challenge by Walsh.
41:01And that's going to count.
41:02Goaltending.
41:04And so 18 lead changes here in a very entertaining first half in Boston.
41:09It's been high level.
41:11Like, the shooting has been incredible.
41:12The pace is fun.
41:20White goes away from the Kata screen.
41:22Pritchard has some room.
41:24And can't get it to fall.
41:25Kata with another rebound.
41:27And his first points of the game.
41:29He's got seven boards now, though, for Boston.
41:34Fifth-year player.
41:36Grew up in Portugal.
41:37Moved to the U.S. at age 19.
41:39Played at Utah State for three years.
41:42Watson in the paint.
41:43Nice hands.
41:44Pritchard got the steal.
41:46Pritchard waiting for some help.
41:47Goes right at the chest of Watson.
41:50And they're going to say a foul on Watson on the floor.
41:57First in the last two minutes on Denver.
41:59First personal on Watson.
42:03Coming up on halftime, presented by Hyundai Palisade.
42:07Malika, Wendy Perk, Coach Malone.
42:10The latest on Wemby and LeBron James
42:13as the Spurs and Lakers square off in the second game of our doubleheader tonight.
42:16I think Malika might be playing hurt
42:18if her voice quality on the NBA today was any indication.
42:22So hang in there, Malika.
42:26One-minute mark.
42:28Brown driving and lost it.
42:32Christian Brown attacking the rim.
42:35And Brown still looking for his first points.
42:37After a missed layup, usually you get a good shot on this end.
42:41Christian Brown, a high flyer.
42:44You wonder about coming off that ankle injury,
42:47being out as long as he was, doesn't have his legs yet.
42:49Thought that'd be a slam normally.
42:52Missed 23 games.
42:54Shot clock at three.
42:55Pritchard from mid-range.
42:57It's good.
42:58See what I mean?
42:59It's ability to navigate below the free throw line
43:01and then use footwork.
43:03He did it against Gordon.
43:05He does it right there against Jamal Murray.
43:08Seven quick points for Pritchard.
43:09Boston up three.
43:11Six-second difference in the game
43:13and shot blocks here at the end of the first half.
43:17Gordon with a jab step against Keita.
43:19Now fires.
43:20Short on the three.
43:21Rebound Brown.
43:23Murray will rise and connect on a three
43:25to tie it up at 58.
43:28Three seconds left.
43:30Pritchard racing up the court.
43:31Stops.
43:31Pops.
43:32Short.
43:32And the first half comes to an end.
43:35A combined 20 made threes in the first half
43:39between the Celtics and Nuggets.
43:44Jalen Brown, 15 of those 19 in the first half.
43:47Peyton Watson with 16.
43:49He missed just one shot and was 4 of 4 from 3.
43:53Stay tuned for halftime presented by Hyundai Palisade.
43:56We'll join Malika, Coach Malone, Wendy, and Perk
43:59after these messages.
44:02Up at 58.
44:0519 lead changes here in the first half.
44:08That's a lot of lead changes for a game,
44:10let alone a half, as we welcome you inside our Los Angeles studio.
44:12We talked about how well Jalen Brown has been playing,
44:15and he's certainly living up to that billing with 19 points here, Mr. Renhorst.
44:20Yeah, he's having another great game.
44:21But I've got to give a shout-out to the Nuggets.
44:22They've literally been on this road trip since 2025.
44:25Okay?
44:26Well done.
44:26And despite not having Jokic, they are continuing to compete night in and night out.
44:30How about Peyton Watson?
44:31This is a guy who's had an open opportunity because of all the injuries.
44:35He is having a game-changing situation tonight.
44:38He's having a game-changing road trip.
44:40And look, they paid Christian Brown at the start of the season.
44:43Watson didn't get an extension.
44:45He's trying to prove that he should get paid,
44:47and he is doing it on this road trip and certainly tonight.
44:49That's the guy, Coach.
44:50P-Watt's playing great, to Wendy's point.
44:52This is going to be five straight games and get 20 or more points.
44:56So shout-out to P-Watt for knocking down those threes.
44:59Jalen Brown, once again, a lot of talk about him going into the game.
45:0219 points, ultra-efficient.
45:04He's an MVP candidate for a reason, Perk.
45:06He is, but those non-Jalen Brown minutes,
45:09Derrick White stepped in in great fashion in the start of that second quarter
45:13and becoming a pretty good three-level scorer.
45:16And the great thing about Derrick White is that he could play on the ball,
45:20off the ball, and I thought that he helped extend the lead,
45:24keep the lead, keep the Celtics in reach until Jalen Brown got some rest.
45:29I mean, came in off the bench.
45:30Well, speaking of reach, Victor Wambanyama arriving in style.
45:34I like that sweater, though.
45:35Malika, what's the retail value of that jacket?
45:38Approximately, I can't afford it.
45:39I don't have it in my size without going to the store, though.
45:41Got that out of the landing.
45:42Some news out of our second game on ESPN as we take a look at
45:48who is more in the moment, brought to you by Hyundai Palisade.
45:52LeBron James made the trip to San Antonio,
45:54but he is not going to play tonight on the second night of a back-to-back.
45:58Now, remember, the Lakers 11-5 without LeBron James in the lineup this season.
46:02But, Mr. Windhurst, this is the 17th game that LeBron has missed this year.
46:06Why is that significant?
46:08The run of 22 consecutive All-NBAs is about to go out.
46:13One of the great streaks of his career.
46:15The double-figure streak is great and amazing.
46:20The 22 All-NBAs.
46:21Oh, yeah, All-NBA.
46:22So he cannot miss another game if he wants to qualify for All-NBA.
46:25But tonight, they are without him.
46:27What are they going to need to do to overcome Wemby and the Spurs?
46:29Well, Luka's going to show up, but Jake LaRavia's got to play really big for them.
46:33And if DeAndre Ayton has a big fella, he's going to come out and say,
46:36give me the damn ball.
46:37Well, I tell you what, big fella, tonight's an opportunity to show
46:39why they should give you the ball.
46:41No, I agree.
46:42But this is all about the Spurs, right?
46:44And this is what you call a trap game.
46:46No Austin Reeves, no LeBron.
46:48And you think that you can walk in.
46:50You're at home.
46:51You just came off a bad loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
46:54The Spurs got to go out there and handle their business, period,
46:57and get back on track.
46:58I would agree with you, but they lost last night in a loss at Memphis.
47:00So I predict they won't let the ball into that trap.
47:04They're going to be ready to go for this one.
47:07But we got a good one in this first game.
47:09All nodded at 58.
47:10The second half of TD Garden coming up after this.
47:13Who's going to create separation, Park?
47:15I got JB and the Celtics.
47:18They had the crew.
47:19Of course you do.
47:19This half in Boston, a combined 23s, and we are tied at 58 apiece.
47:29Our first half stats brought to you by New Balance.
47:34Five turnovers for Boston, all in that second quarter.
47:37They dominated the paint.
47:38Denver's bench was outstanding, and we have a tie game as we get ready for the third quarter.
47:42Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, and Angel Gray.
47:45Well, in the first 30 games of the year, Peyton Watson had four 20-point games.
47:49In the last four games, he has four 20-point games,
47:52and well on his way to his fifth in a row as we look at our difference makers brought to you by CarMax.
47:5724 points against Philadelphia over his last game and a half.
48:01He's now 6-4-7 from three, and this improved three-point shooting
48:06and increased confidence on the offensive end could not come at a better time.
48:10No Nikola Jokic.
48:12He mixes in a little bit of mid-range, and he was terrific in that first half.
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