Elsewhere, Hugo González’s career game helped the Celtics spoil Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return for the Bucks, as the Rockets piled more woes on the struggling Wizards.
The Celtics, Nuggets, and Clippers joined the Rockets as winners in a four-game NBA slate Tuesday. | Photo: Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers
A four-game NBA slate Tuesday featured the Celtics spoiling Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return, Darius Garland making a strong Clippers debut, Jamal Murray scoring 45 against the Jazz and the Rockets adding to the Wizards’ woes.
MURRAY DROPS 45 AS CELTICS, ROCKETS, CLIPPERS ALSO SHINE
- Denver Nuggets (38-24) def. Utah Jazz (18-43), 128-125: Jamal Murray erupted for 45 points, eight assists, and eight threes as the Nuggets overcame Keyonte George’s 36-point explosion and the Jazz.
With the victory, Denver improved to 4-0 this season when Murray scores at least 40 points.
- Boston Celtics (41-20) def. Milwaukee Bucks (26-34), 108-81: With Jaylen Brown sidelined, Hugo González stepped up with a career-high outing as the Celtics spoiled Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks return.
González tallied 16 points, 18 rebounds, and three steals — all career bests — to support Payton Pritchard’s 25-point, nine-assist performance in a dominant road outing.
- LA Clippers (29-31) def. Golden State Warriors (31-20), 114-101: Darius Garland made a successful Clippers debut, scoring 12 points off the bench in a solid road win against the struggling Warriors.
The win marked LA’s second straight after a three-game skid.
- Houston Rockets (41-20) def. Washington Wizards (16-44), 123-118: Behind 32 points and 13 rebounds from Alperen Sengun and 30 from Kevin Durant, the Rockets handed Washington its fifth successive loss.
The night also saw Trae Young ejected after leaving the bench to protest to a referee, just days before his projected Washington debut against the Utah Jazz.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.