The Denver Nuggets lead the Boston Celtics 55-42 after the first periods, looking for their first win following the C Nene trade.

The Nuggets are still without C JaVale McGee, whom they received in the Nene trade, but have found some success on the shoulders of All-Star SF Danilo Gallinari (15 PTS, 3 AST, 2 REB) and F Kenneth Faried (8 PTS, 11 REB, 1 BLK). The Nuggets have more than doubled the Celtics in rebounds (28 to 12) and have proved clutch in three point attempts, hitting 45.5% from beyond the arc.

PF Kevin Garnett (10 PTS, 5 REB), PF Paul Pierce (10 PTS, 2 REB) and PR Rajon Rondo (4 PTS, 10 AST) have all hit double digits for the Celtics, but they will need to prove much better on defense in order to pull off a St. Patrick's Day win in the second half.

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