The Boston Celtics blew out the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, beating them 129-106. The loss makes it tougher for Brooklyn to get the top 6 seeds once their superstars get back in action. The Celtics never lagged at any point in the game and held the lead throughout the game. This was their 10th wire-to-wire win and the most in the NBA this season.
With the win, the Celtics have won 9 of their last 10 games and solidified their spot as a 6 seed in the East. But with the Raptors who have played lesser games and a Nets team that could come back healthy, they need to rack up more wins to keep it. Head coach Ime Udoka has done a great job of bringing this team together and overcoming their struggles at the beginning of the season.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to victory with a 30 point performance. But he wasn’t alone as 6 other players had double-digit scoring including an 18 point performance from Jaylen Brown. It was complete domination from beginning to end. The Nets had 5 players in double digits and were led by the 22 point performance from Seth Curry. It wasn’t enough to beat the Celtics.
Brooklyn stays at the 8 seed with the loss. The team could very well end up in the play-in game. Even if their superstars return they have to win at least 18-20 of their remaining 23 games to be a top 6 seed in a tough Eastern Conference. All the Nets can do right now is to put their heads down and fight till their stars get back even though this loss to the Celtics hurts them.
With the mandates going to be relaxed/removed in New York, Kyrie Irving might be able to play home games again. Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons are reported to return in a few weeks. Nets fans, players, coaching staff, and the front office can only pray that they all become available as soon as possible and help the team win.
