Irving fires for Celtics

KYRIE Irving had 33 points and the Boston Celtics held on for a 124-118 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Irving added seven assists. It was his eighth game this season with 30 or more points. Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points and five rebounds.

The 124 points was a season-high for Boston. The Celtics shot a season-high 60 per cent from the field.

There were eight ties and six lead changes, but Boston never surrendered the lead in the second half. Gary Harris led the Nuggets with a careerhigh 36 points and six assists. Jamal Murray added 28 points.