Celtics overcome slow start to beat Nets behind 50-point game from Jayson Tatum
With their backs up against the wall, facing a 2-0 deficit in the series, the Celtics played arguably their best game of the year Friday night at TD Garden. After falling into an early hole, the team rallied behind another stellar performance from Jayson Tatum to beat the Brooklyn Nets 125-119.
With a larger crowd in the building, and Kyrie Irving’s presence stirring things up, it felt like the Celtics might be reenergized with the series shifting back to Boston. However, that feeling dissipated quickly, with the Nets going up 19-4 in the first three and a half minutes.
While the Celtics couldn’t hold the energy from the beginning, it wouldn’t be gone for long. In fact, that Nets’ lead wouldn’t even make it to the end of the first quarter. The Celtics went on a 10-0 run over the final minutes of the half. Marcus Smart capped the run with a three point shot in the final seconds of the frame that put Boston up 33-32.
The Celtics went on to extend their lead in the second quarter. Leading the charge were Jayson Tatum and Tristan Thompson, who each had eight points in the frame. Tatum had a game-high 21 at the half, giving his team a 61-57 lead heading into the locker room.
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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 [email protected].