The Boston Celtics defeated the Denver Nuggets, 108-95, at TD Garden on Friday night.

The Celtics (16-5) faced a stiff Western Conference challenge in the Nuggets (14-6), but they proved capable of meeting it by establishing a 33-26 lead through one quarter. Boston added another point to their advantage heading into halftime, and they ultimately put the game away with a 32-point third quarter that gave them all the separation they needed.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, adding 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jamal Murray provided 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Michael Porter, Jr. supplied nine points and three rebounds in just eight minutes. Monte Morris matched Porter's scoring, while Will Barton, Gary Harris and Juancho Hernangomez all contributed seven points apiece.

Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker tallied 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Smart posted nine points, two rebounds and two assists.

The Nuggets remain on their Eastern Conference swing and tangle with the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Celtics remain home and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.