It was a shock from the Eastern Conference … which quickly turned in favor of the Nets. Touched for a few weeks in the shoulder, Kevin Durant still wants to shine at TD Garden. He dominates offensively as he usually does and allows his people to master this first act. Boston is already in the rough.
Defensively, the Nets have guarantees this season and James Harden’s teammates continue to get their hands on this game. Patty Mills and Paul Millsap have a two-man game, and Boston has no answer. As always when the going gets tough, Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder try to take the game in hand but, against such a team, it is not enough. Brooklyn defends very well and finds solutions to score on each attack. James Harden sets the intervals perfectly and shows his teammates the way. KD, Patty Mills or LaMarcus Aldridge take advantage and the Nets lead to the break (62-49).
All the TD Garden is hoping for a reaction from its Celtics and yet the return of the locker room is nightmarish. Guided by James Harden in conductor mode, the Nets will fold the meeting in four minutes. The former Rockets find in each action an assist and Boston cash an 18-3. As in the second act, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills or Kevin Durant are on fire and Boston has no chance (80-52).
Jaylen Brown’s efforts should be highlighted, but Boston can’t do anything tonight (97-76). The final act will allow the Celtics to close the gap to 13 points, but Brooklyn is never going to panic. Kevin Durant returns to the floor to allow his family to finish this meeting.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The veterans in power at the Nets. They are there to help the Nets win in the playoffs and Patty Mills, LaMarcus Aldridge but also Paul Millsap have been perfect. The three men have brought a lot to the collective of the Nets. With a diminished KD and a clumsy James Harden, the veterans have answered the call. Between them, they accumulate 43 points tonight. A great performance that portends great things for the Nets.
– The collective bankruptcy of the Celtics. They’re supposed to be able to fight for the top spots in the Eastern Conference. But tonight the Celtics were completely dominated by the Nets. Not clever, behind defensively, they especially very quickly let go. A worrying lack of aggressiveness and fighting spirit.
– Kevin Durant in the 25. He passed Allen Iverson. Kevin Durant becomes the 25th leading scorer in NBA history. Considered one of the very best forwards in history, KD still has some records to go for. The story has only just begun!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Patty Mills. He quickly became a favorite with Nets fans and Patty Mills was very good tonight again. Effective on the game systems announced for him, the former Spurs shone in attack. Author of a nice 7/10 from afar, the Australian is disgusting when he has a hot hand. Result: 23 points.
✅ LaMarcus Aldridge. He has everything to be the X-factor for the Nets this season, provided he stays in shape like tonight. Found on game in motion, the interior is formidable. His mid-distance shot and his ability to shine as soon as he is near the circle make him a valuable player. Sure, he’s weaker than in the past, but he’s quite capable of helping Brooklyn get a ring.
⛔ Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown. It is in this kind of meeting that we expect these two players and, tonight, they were not up to the task. The combined 10/30 on shots for both players didn’t help Boston. On the contrary, the Celtics are too dependent on their two stars and have never found the solution. Still…
THE FOLLOWING
Brooklyn (14-5) : a shock for the Nets who will host the Suns on Saturday.
Boston (10-9) : in two days, Boston will be in Texas to fight the Spurs.
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