Celtics drop Game 2 130-108, now down 0-2 to Brooklyn Nets

Game 1 of the Celtics-Nets series was surprisingly competitive. The Celtics played a dominant first quarter, and led at half before falling behind. 

In Game 2, the Nets reestablished their dominance, getting up by as many as 33 points on their way to a 130-108 win over the Celtics in Brooklyn Tuesday night. 

Things were once again close to start the game. The teams traded one-point leads for the first few minutes, but then the Nets opened things up with a 16-0 run. It wasn’t the Nets big three doing the brunt of the damage during that stretch, but Joe Harris, who had 16 points in the first quarter. After one, Brooklyn was shooting 60 percent from the field and led 40-26.

It didn’t get much better for the Celtics in the second quarter. There was no 16-0 run, but Brooklyn extended its lead by 10, and was up 71-47 going into the break.

When it seemed like things couldn’t get worse, Jayson Tatum got poked in the eye and had to leave the game and head to the Celtics’ locker room. He’d return to the bench, but was ruled out for the remainder of the night. Heading into the fourth, the Celtics trailed 109-82.

Both teams emptied their benches in the fourth quarter, playing mostly reserves. Despite that, the Celtics weren’t able to significantly chip into the Nets’ lead.

Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 19 points, followed by Kemba Walker with 17, Evan Fournier with 16, and Tristan Thommpson with 15. Tatum scored just nine in 21 minutes before leaving the game.

For Brooklyn, Kevin Durant scored a game-high 26 points, while Harris finished with 25. James Harden added 20, with Kyrie Irving posting 15.

On Friday, the series shifts to Boston for Game 3. That one tips off at 8:30 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 8:00 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

• Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets – Game Two

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  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics grabs the ball from Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

• NBA: Playoffs-Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets

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  May 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets small forward Joe Harris (12) during the second quarter of game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center.

• Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets – Game Two

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  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets grabs a loose ball as Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics defends during the first half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
• Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets – Game Two

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  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

• Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets – Game Two

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  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics shoots as Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the first half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.