Game Recap: Nets defeat Celtics 104-96
Well, this wasn’t the 6-14 Nets The Celtics were hoping to play tonight as they lose in Brooklyn 104-96. Despite getting out to a hot start in Brooklyn, the Celtics found themselves in the recently unfamiliar position of playing from behind for a large portion of tonight’s game.
After the recent stretch of solid play by the Celtics against some struggling teams, the Celtics struggled to get on the same page tonight. The Celtics bench- which as of late has been an efficient, energetic unit- struggled a little more than recent games would lead you to believe.
After a very confusing and lackadaisical start to the season, the Nets were not interested in mailing this one in. They stayed aggressive all night. Garnett looked better than he has all season, Deron Williams certainly didn’t look like he had sprained his ankle three times already, and Paul Pierce played with a broken hand. Going into the half, the Nets held the lead 56-47.
Despite solid play from Celtics starters, Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger, and Brandon Bass, the pieces just didn’t fit together tonight. The C’s put together some nice runs, tying the score early in the third before the Nets took a commanding lead, which they maintained through much of fourth.
This game was not without its bright spots for Boston. After being down for nearly the entire second half, the Celtics worked their way back into striking distance late in the fourth. Down by 20 or down by 5, this team does not stop working. Great offensive effort in this loss, close to 50% shooting from beyond the arc, and 22 points from Avery Bradley. Danny Ainge was correct when he said last week that there is a different MVP on this team every night.
There’s lots of basketball left to play.
To see the full box score please click here.
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Photo Source: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
