As the season goes on, the significance of regular-season games becomes smaller and smaller for a team like the Boston Celtics. The Eastern Conference is all but wrapped up, but Thursday night was the rare occasion when a regular-season game felt important.
A late-night thriller in Colorado against the Denver Nuggets, who bested them by one point earlier in the season. A potential Finals preview with the reigning champs and the team with the best record in the league.
From the tip, it was clear both teams wanted this game. But one team executed better, and they were led by a monster Serbian who dropped a 30-point triple-double.