Jokic and Nuggets sent a message with their victory

The Denver Nuggets, with a new triple double from the Serbian Nikola Jokic, became strong this Thursday at home against the Boston Celtics in a cross between the two superpowers of the NBA, in a day in which the Slovenian Luka Doncic returned the victory to the Dallas Mavericks.

NUGGETS 115 – CELTS 109
In a game that could serve as an appetizer for the next NBA Finals, the Nuggets, who have the third best record in the West, defeated the Celtics, leaders of the East, with 32 points, twelve rebounds and an assist from Jokic.

The Nuggets, who had also beaten the Celtics at TD Garden in Boston this year, outscored Jaylen Brown, who scored a season-high 41 points. Jayson Tatum did not exceed fifteen points.

For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray contributed 19 points and Aaron Gordon added 16 points, six rebounds and nine assists.

MAVERICKS 114 – HEAT 108
Doncic composed the fifteenth triple double of his season and led the Mavericks’ comeback with fifteen points. He shone with 35 points, eleven rebounds and eleven assists on a night in which the Texans, hurt after losses to the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers, trailed by 15 points at 14-29 in the first quarter.

Kyrie Irving contributed 23 points for the Texans, eighth in the West, in play-in positions. The Heat, who came to Dallas having won seven of their previous eight games, succumbed despite 27 points and an assist from Terry Rozier. Jimmy Butler did not exceed fourteen points.