The NBA world is buzzing after a dramatic post-game press conference following the Denver Nuggets’ hard-fought 114-110 victory over the Boston Celtics on January 7, 2026.

What started as a thrilling matchup between two contenders quickly escalated into heated verbal exchanges, with Nuggets star Jamal Murray delivering comments that ignited fury among Celtics fans and reportedly left the room in chaos.

The game itself was a nail-biter at TD Garden. Despite both teams dealing with significant injuries—Boston without Jayson Tatum and Denver missing Nikola Jokic—the contest featured intense back-and-forth action.

Jaylen Brown poured in 33 points for the Celtics, while Jamal Murray dominated for the Nuggets with 22 points and a staggering 17 assists, orchestrating a crucial 14-0 run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.

Peyton Watson added 30 points off the bench, highlighting Denver’s depth in a shorthanded lineup.

As the final buzzer sounded, attention shifted to the post-game media session, where tensions boiled over. According to multiple reports and viral clips circulating on social media, Jamal Murray, still riding the high of his masterful performance, addressed questions about ending Boston’s recent hot streak.

The Celtics had entered the game on a four-game winning run, showcasing resilience amid Tatum’s absence.

Murray’s alleged remarks cut deep: “A 4-game winning streak? No, it’s just that they haven’t played us yet.

The teams that Boston Celtics have beaten are all weak teams.” These words, delivered with what sources described as a confident smirk, immediately drew gasps from reporters and visible frustration from those in attendance representing the Celtics organization.

The comment dismissed Boston’s recent victories over teams like the Chicago Bulls and others as insignificant, implying the Nuggets were the true test that exposed the defending champions’ vulnerabilities. Celtics fans, already stinging from the narrow loss, erupted online, flooding platforms with outrage.

Hashtags such as #RespectTheBanner and #MurrayDisrespect trended rapidly, with supporters calling the statement arrogant and dismissive of Boston’s gritty play without their superstar.

The drama reached its peak when Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla, known for his composed demeanor and philosophical approach, reportedly stood up abruptly during the joint or adjacent press availability.

Grabbing the microphone, Mazzulla fired back with a concise, cutting response that reportedly consisted of exactly 11 words: “Talk is cheap. We’ll see you in the Finals if you’re lucky.”

The room reportedly fell silent. Murray, caught off guard, had no immediate retort, staring ahead as the press conference descended into murmurs and awkward pauses. Eyewitness accounts describe Murray appearing speechless, unable to muster a comeback as Mazzulla’s words hung in the air like a challenge.

This exchange has fueled endless debate across NBA circles. Mazzulla’s retort was praised by Celtics loyalists as the perfect blend of sharpness and class—reminding everyone of Boston’s championship pedigree while brushing off Murray’s trash talk. One fan tweeted, “Joe Mazzulla just ended Jamal Murray’s whole career with 11 words.

Legend.” Another added, “That’s why we love Joe—zero nonsense, all facts.”

On the flip side, Nuggets supporters defended Murray, pointing to his on-court dominance as justification. “He backed it up with 22 and 17. Facts over feelings,” one post read.

Murray’s performance without Jokic underscored Denver’s ability to compete at a high level, even on the road against a top Eastern Conference team.

The incident adds another layer to the growing rivalry between these two franchises. Recent matchups have been competitive, with Denver proving they can win in Boston despite missing key pieces.

Murray, often understated in media appearances, has a history of letting his play do the talking, but this outburst suggests the pressure of carrying a depleted Nuggets squad may be bringing out a more vocal side.

Analysts have weighed in extensively. ESPN’s Tim Legler noted on post-game coverage that while Murray’s stats were elite, his comments risked motivating an already dangerous Celtics team further. “Boston has been battling all season without Tatum. Dismissing their wins like that? That’s bulletin-board material,” Legler said.

Former players chimed in too. Paul Pierce, a Celtics icon, posted on social media: “Jamal talking spicy after one win? Cute. Come back when you got a ring without excuses.” Meanwhile, Chauncey Billups, a Nuggets legend, supported Murray: “Playoff Jamal is different. He’s just confident—nothing wrong with that.”

The fallout has extended beyond the court. Celtics fans have flooded Murray’s social media with memes depicting him “speechless,” while Nuggets highlights reels emphasize the game-winning plays. Ticket demands for the rematch on February 25 in Denver have reportedly spiked, with fans eager for round two.

For the Celtics (now 23-13), the loss snaps a promising streak but reinforces their identity as a tough, defensive-minded group under Mazzulla. Jaylen Brown, who carried the scoring load, emphasized post-game that the team is focused on internal growth: “We know who we are. Words don’t win games.”

Denver (25-12) wraps up a grueling seven-game road trip with a statement win, proving their bench and Murray’s leadership can keep them afloat amid injuries. Coach Michael Malone praised his group’s resilience but sidestepped direct questions about the presser drama.

This episode highlights the fine line between confidence and controversy in the NBA. Murray’s bold claim has undoubtedly angered Celtics Nation, but it also spotlights the Nuggets as legitimate threats out West.

Mazzulla’s 11-word mic drop may go down as one of the season’s most memorable moments, silencing a critic while rallying his squad.

As the season progresses, both teams remain in contention for deep playoff runs. If paths cross in the Finals—as Mazzulla hinted—the trash talk could evolve into an epic showdown. For now, the NBA community can’t stop replaying the press conference chaos, proving once again that rivalries make the league unforgettable.

Whether Murray’s words were fueled by adrenaline or genuine belief, they’ve added fuel to an already fiery league landscape. Celtics fans are fuming, Nuggets supporters are celebrating, and neutral observers are just enjoying the entertainment. One thing is certain: the next Celtics-Nuggets clash will be must-watch TV.