The Boston Celtics completed a thrilling comeback victory at home, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 104-96. In this game, Celtics core players Tatum and Brown were absent due to injury, but the team still demonstrated strong overall strength and successfully increased their season wins to 50.
Game review: the whole process from behind to reversal
First quarter: the Nets take the lead
The Nets started the game with a bang, as Zavui made two free throws and Russell hit a layup to give the Nets the lead. Despite a seven-point scoring streak by Celtics Pozyński (Porzingis) to try to catch up, the Nets continued to dominate with three-pointers from Keane and Russell. At the end of the first quarter, the Nets led 26-21.
Second quarter: the score rises alternately
In the second quarter, Celtics players Horry and Bozin worked together to narrow the gap, but Nets players Lewis and Martin quickly responded to widen the gap again. The two teams then engaged in a fierce battle, and at the end of the half, the Nets maintained a slight lead of 49-44.
Third quarter: Celtics take the lead
The third quarter was a turning point in the game. The Nets led by as many as eight points thanks to a three-pointer from Russell, but the Celtics quickly equalized thanks to consecutive baskets from Horford and Wright. The teams traded blows in the closing minutes of the quarter, and the Celtics eventually took the lead back at the end of the third quarter, 71-70, thanks to a strong performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Fourth quarter: Celtics seal the win
In the final quarter, the Celtics gradually took control of the pace of the game. The substitute Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit three consecutive three-pointers to help his team extend their lead. Despite the attempts of the Nets’ Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to catch up, the Celtics’ Al Horford and Jayson Tatum’s performances in key moments stabilized the situation. In the end, the Celtics won 104-96 to complete the comeback.
Player performance highlights
Celtic:
- Bozun (Porzingis): 9 of 13 from the field, 25 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks.
- White: 6 of 19 from the field, 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
- Holiday: Contributed 12 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals, showing his all-round ability.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rookie): As last year’s 30th overall pick, he was the biggest surprise of the game, scoring a career-high 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting (6-of-7 3-pointers) in just 16 minutes of action, plus 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
- Prichard: 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists off the bench.
Nets:
- Russell: 18 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists on 6-of-18 shooting, but couldn’t keep the scoring going in the final moments.
- Zawie: 15 points and 4 rebounds.
- Keane: 13 points and 3 rebounds.
- Cameron: 11 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.
- Watford: 11 points and 4 assists off the bench.
Season preview: the Celtics’ title potential
Although the Celtics finished slightly behind teams like the Cavaliers and Thunder in the regular season, they are still one of the favorites to win the championship this season. Here’s why:
- Balanced offense and defense: The Celtics not only have a strong offense, but also a good defense that can limit opponents’ scoring in key moments.
- Three-point threat: The team has a number of players who are good at shooting from three-point range, including Horford and Hauser in the starting lineup, and Prichard and Saylorman on the bench. This ability to rain three-pointers makes it difficult for opponents to defend.
- Depth: Even when key players are out, the Celtics can still win games thanks to the outstanding performances of their role players. For example, in this game, rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set a personal career record and provided important firepower for the team.
Summary
The Celtics showed great resilience and teamwork in this game, and even without core players like Tatum and Brown, they were able to complete a comeback and defeat the Nets. As the season progresses, the Celtics’ overall strength and depth make them one of the most competitive teams in the league. Fans can look forward to their performance in the playoffs, and perhaps they will once again challenge for the championship trophy.
