NBA: Boston Celtics stop Series at Brooklyn Nets

After four wins in a row, the Brooklyn Nets’ run in front of their home crowd against the East Primus comes to an end. The Boston Celtics won a defensive battle 103-92 and also posed problems for Kevin Durant in the second half.

Brooklyn Nets (13-12) – Boston Celtics (19-5) 92:103 (BOXSCORE)

The Nets star scored 31 points (13/24 FG), 7 rebounds and 5 assists, but also made 8 turnovers against the constant pressure from the Celtics defense and well-timed double teams – including 4, some of which were very expensive fourth quarter. Otherwise, KD had little support, Kyrie Irving (18 with weak odds of 7/21 FG) and Joe Harris (13) were the only teammates in double digits, the bench was almost non-existent.

Although Boston only hit 34 percent from the field in the second half, the defense and the resulting switching game (26:13 fast break points) made the difference. DPOY Marcus Smart wasn’t even there due to a hip contusion, but Jaylen Brown made a strong showing from both ends of the court.

Brown led his team with 34 points in scoring (20 in the first quarter), but also grabbed 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. Jayson Tatum also had a strong 29 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals, but still didn’t have his best game (9 turnovers). Malcolm Brogdon threw in 13 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists from the bench.

It actually got off to a good start for the Nets. The hosts started the game with an 11:2 run, but then only the Celtics played, more precisely: Jaylen Brown. Boston turned the game around with a 14-0 run, followed shortly thereafter by an 8-0 run that gave Boston a small cushion. Brown was well on his way to a creamy day, after the first round he already had 20 points and 5/5 threes – 35:27 Boston.

Celtics beat Nets: Block festival and KD turnover

Co-star Tatum, on the other hand, wasn’t in the game yet. The Nets bothered him with physical defense and forced turnovers. In this phase the game went back and forth entertainingly, the Celtics took several impressive Chasedown-Blocks out in fastbreak attempts by the Nets. A three from Harris leveled the game, then Boston responded with the next run. Tatum had found his rhythm by now, which he’s demonstrating from downtown. 62:50 for Boston at the break.

Just like at the beginning of the game, the start of the second half also belonged to the Nets. Boston’s offense didn’t get a stitch at all, after almost ten minutes in the round there were 7 points and 6 turnovers. However, Brooklyn was only able to take advantage of this fact to a limited extent against an equally strong Celtics defense. Nevertheless, the guests went into the final section with a 75:69 lead.

As Brooklyn went down to -2, Al Horford responded with a three and Brown with a fastbreak hammer. The Nets made life difficult for themselves with several ball losses, Boston moved back to 11 points in the middle of the quarter. But the game was far from decided.

Durant kept his team within striking distance, but then conceded two more turnovers. Coupled with a successful hack-a-claxton, Boston started the next 8-0 run. A deep pullup three from Tatum then put the cherry on the cake with two minutes to go. Game over!

NBA: Die Stats-Leader bei Nets vs. Celtics

Category Nets Celtics
Points Kevin Durant (31) Jaylen Brown (34)
Rebounds Nic Claxton (14) Jason Tatum (11)
Assists Durant, Irving (I 5) Malcolm Brogdon (7)
Steals Durant, Harris (I 2) Jayson Tatum (4)
Blocks Durant, Claxton (you 2) Jaylen Brown (4)

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