DENVER — The Denver Nuggets were glad to have Nikola Jokic back and even happier with the return of their defense.

Jokic had 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in his return to the lineup, and the Nuggets clamped down in the fourth quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 119-99 on Friday night.

Jokic played 27 minutes after missing two games because of illness.

Jokic said he was feeling too sick to play against Sacramento and Washington earlier in the week, but by Friday morning he knew he was ready to go.

„When I woke up I felt a lot better than I did (Thursday) and two days ago,“ he said. „When I stepped on the court at shootaround and started running and I see that I can do that I decided then (I could play).“

IZVOR: ESPN

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