The Boston Celtics visited the Brooklyn Nets for Thursday night’s matchup, the first game back for both teams after All-Star Sunday. The Celtics faced a tough loss (109-121), this being their 7th loss consecutive loss on the road. The Nets adding another win to their record are now (25-13) ranked No. 2 in the Eastern Conference. As for the Celtics, they left Thursday night with their record now (19-18) ranked No. 4 in the Eastern Conference.
Celtics fall behind
The Celtics had a great start Thursday night, ending the first quarter with the lead (29-23). Despite having the lead at the end of the first quarter, Jayson Tatum had a slow start. Tatum was only able to put 2 points on the board in the first quarter. Eventually, Tatum was able to get into his groove ending the night with 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Tatum went 13-22 from the goal, 3-7 from the three-point, and 2-2 from the free-throw line.
Another player who had a slow start for the Celtics was Jaylen Brown. Brown went 1-9 from the field in the first half, only putting 2 points on the board. At the end of the first half, the Nets were up by 3 points (55-58). Brown ended his night with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Marcus Smart made his return in Thursday night’s game after missing eighteen games due to a calf strain. Having Smart back was a plus for the Celtics, but head coach Brad Stevens wanted to watch his playing time. Smart was only able to pull down 2 rebounds but ended his night with 19 points.
Harden and Irving combine for 62 points
One thing the Celtics struggled with Thursday night, shutting down star players James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Harden and Irving combined for 62 points against the Celtics in this matchup. Harden ended his night with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Leading the NBA in assists is also Harden, averaging 11.1 assists per game. Almost ending with another triple-double, Harden played 38 minutes, going 6-16 from the field and 9-9 from the free-throw line.
Irving had a season-high Thursday night, scoring 40 points. Irving played 34 minutes, shooting 15-23 from the field, 5-8 from the three-point line, and 5-5 from the free-throw line. Irving averages 27.2 points per game, scoring above that in Thursday night’s matchup. Irving helped the Nets gain and held the lead over the Celtics. The Nets now have Harden, Irving, and soon Blake Griffin after acquiring him on March 8th.
Up Next
The Celtics will continue their road trip, facing off against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, March 14th at 8:00 pm. The Rockets ranked No. 14 in the Western Conference have a record of (11-23).
The Nets will host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, March 13th, at 7:00 pm. The Pistons ranked No. 15, falling in last place in the Eastern Conference, their record (10-27).
