Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis had the perfect seat for the Nikola Jokic show on Friday night. It was a high-profile matchup with the Denver Nuggets that ultimately led to Boston suffering its first home loss of the 2023-24 NBA season, largely thanks to the stellar play of Jokic and guard Jamal Murray.

Following the 102-100 loss, Porzingis had the ultimate praise for the player he dubbed as a “pure basketball talent,” dropping a rarely used phrase, but one that hits the mark when it comes to Jokic.

“He’s a pure basketball mastermind,” Porzingis said of Jokic, per The Athletic’s Jared Weiss.

You’ll be hard-pressed to get pushback on that from most players, coaches or fans around the NBA. Jokic put on a show yet again in the win, scoring 34 points with 12 rebounds and nine assists while shooting 14-of-22 from the field.

Murray also deserved his flowers for an impressive showing, as the Nuggets guard poured in 35 points on 15-of-21 shooting with eight rebounds and five assists.

The matchup had the feel of a postseason game, and based on how well both teams have played this season, specifically of late for the Nuggets, it wouldn’t be a major surprise if these two eventually met in the NBA Finals.