Nikola Jokic Amazes NBA Fans in Duel with Tatum as Nuggets Snap Celtics’ Win Streak

Julia StumbaughJanuary 20, 2024

Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images

You can trust Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić to be clutch when it counts.

Jokić dominated early Friday night to help the Denver Nuggets to a 102-100 victory over Jayson Tatum and the host Boston Celtics.

It was the Celtics’ first home loss of the season, breaking a home win streak that spanned 27 games dating back to last season.

Jokić impressed Nuggets fans early with 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists through the first three quarters of Friday night’s win.

He finished the night with 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting, as well as 12 rebounds and nine assists.

⏳ @kingDiawsReally can’t stop jokic man all you gotta do is to score more than him

WADE💍 @Its_WadeSome bigs struggle with Al Horford.

Nikola Jokic is NOT one of those bigs.

n i k o l a e s t h e t i c @nikolaestheticjokic baiting the lane violation. 4d chess

Jokić was part of a one-two Nuggets punch alongside Jamal Murray, who recorded 35 points, eight rebounds and five assists while shooting 71 percent from the field.

Bobby @BobbyMlRETatum disasterclass + Jokic/Murray masterclass on National TV to stop an undefeated home streak this is my championship

Swipa @SwipaCamI’ll take Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray over everybody when it counts

– @LowkeyLutiNah Jokic and Murray one of the greatest duos ever

NBA World @NBAW0RLD24Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray tonight pic.twitter.com/RSWWSrdthR

On the Boston side, Jayson Tatum went 1-of-8 from behind the arc as he put up 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists during the Celtics’ loss.

Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachTatum and Jaylen a combined 2 for 12 from three. Jokic and Murray 16 for 22 from the field.

And…Celtics by 6 at half.

Nick Cattles @NickCRadioTonight’s breakdown: Murray/Jokic > JB/JT.

Thiago @ThiagoPHLThe gap between Jokic and Tatum is as wide as the Pacific Ocean man

. @disgame23There’s no way you watch Jokic and think yh Tatum is in the same tier as this guy

Dustin Beaudoin @thedbeaudoinTatum/Brown vs. Jokic/Murray is boys vs men

Tatum and the Celtics won’t get the chance to get back into the win column at home until January 27, when Boston faces the LA Clippers at TD Garden.

Meanwhile Jokic and the Nuggets continue their road trip Sunday with a visit to the Washington Wizards.