Celtics Triumph Against Nuggets in Thrilling Preseason Matchup
The Celtics vs. Nuggets: A Preseason Battle
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The NBA returned to the Persian Gulf on Friday for the third consecutive year, kicking off the 2023-24 preseason with the Boston Celtics besting the Denver Nuggets 107-103.
Game Highlights
The Celtics and Nuggets are set to conclude their two-game series in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. In a strategic move, Denver sat its starters for the second half, while Boston followed suit with four of its five starters, leaving Luke Kornet as the lone starter on the court.
Key Performances
- Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with a game-high 21 points, showcasing impressive shooting.
- Boston struggled somewhat, shooting 20-for-61 from beyond the arc.
- Notable performances included Olympic gold medalists Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White contributing 25 points combined.
- For Denver, reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic scored 14 points, while Russell Westbrook made a notable debut with 12 points.
NBA's International Presence
The NBA’s engagement in Abu Dhabi reflects its global outreach, having previously signed deals with tourism officials in 2021, beginning with teams like Milwaukee and Atlanta in previous years. USA Basketball also held training camps in this vibrant city.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.