The reigning NBA champions, Boston Celtics, secured a narrow 107-103 victory against the Denver Nuggets in the opening game of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, held at the Etihad Arena last night. The event, presented by ADQ, marked the start of a thrilling weekend, with two head-to-head matchups scheduled between the teams.
The Nuggets initially led the game in the first half, but the Celtics turned the tide after both teams rotated key players, resting starters in preparation for the second game on Sunday. Altogether, 36 players from both teams saw game time, with coaches focused on spreading experience across their rosters.
Payton Pritchard led the scoring for the Celtics with 21 points, while Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jayson Tatum contributed a combined 25 points. Jaylen Brown added eight points to the total. For the Nuggets, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic put up 14 points, while Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. each chipped in 12 points.
Speaking after the game, Celtics’ star Jaylen Brown emphasized the importance of building momentum ahead of the regular season. “We are getting back into season form… Defensively, we made some good plays, got some good looks, and we see a lot of excitement here in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
The game drew a star-studded crowd, including celebrities like US rappers 2 Chainz and Will.I.Am, alongside notable figures from sports, entertainment, and fashion.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday in the second and final game of the NBA Abu Dhabi series.