The Denver Nuggets defeated the Boston Celtics, 102-100, at TD Garden on Friday night.

The Celtics (32-10) came into the contest with pristine 20-0 home record, and although the defending champions were certainly a formidable challenge, Boston appeared prepared to meet it when it forged a 61-55 halftime lead over the Nuggets (29-14). However, Denver would eliminate all but one point from its deficit in the third, and the visitors then limited their hosts to just 18 points over the final 12 minutes. A topsy-turvy fourth quarter saw the Celtics get within one with 1:41 remaining, but the Nuggets were able to force three misses, two on the part of Jayson Tatum, in the closing minute-plus to secure the win.

Jamal Murray led the way for the Nuggets with 35 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Nikola Jokic followed with a 34-point, 12-rebound double-double that included nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. furnished 13 points and eight rebounds. Peyton Watson supplied nine points and two boards off the bench.

Derrick White led the Celtics with 24 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Tatum registered 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown totaled 13 points, two rebounds and one assist.

The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Celtics visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.