The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets' matchup took a lot longer than expected after a 40-minute delay at Ball Arena.
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With 6:43 remaining in the fourth quarter, the game had to be paused after the rim was uneven following a ferocious dunk for Celtics center Robert Williams.
Williams threw it down off the alley-oop dime from Jaylen Brown with 8:06 remaining in the quarter, with the game continuing for a few more possessions before the officials intervened.
.@rob_williamsIII can't believe what he's seeing and tbh neither can we😂#BOSvsDEN pic.twitter.com/0DfmAdVxqK
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 2, 2023
The Ball Arena staff brought out the ladders as they attempted to get it level, however, after multiple attempts, they opted to replace the rim altogether, causing an extended delay to the game.
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With no immediate solution, players from both teams tried to keep warm, or in Marcus Smart's case, kicking back on the floor, waiting for play to resume.
Smart really just sat in the middle of the floor and we love this energy #RimGate2023 #BOSvsDEN pic.twitter.com/kaN8IWevmn
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 2, 2023
Meanwhile, DeAndre Jordan opted for a game of rock-paper-scissors with a fan.
DeAndre Jordan playing Rock Paper Scissors with a fan during the Celtics-Nuggets delay 😆 pic.twitter.com/kXpmtxjPVu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 2, 2023
With the Nuggets leading 110-97 at the time, the workers eventually got the new rim in place, allowing play to resume as Denver held on for a 123-111 win.
Rob Williams post game: pic.twitter.com/65dhJkBFAt
— Abby Chin (@tvabby) January 2, 2023
