It was the opposition of the night: a clash between the Nets and the Celtics, on green ground. Without Kevin Durant, the case seemed – on paper – complicated for Brooklyn, despite a Kyrie Irving particularly in good shape currently. The “paper” turned into reality as the two formations were far apart in terms of level that night. Boston atomized Jacque Vaughn’s team, which suffered its worst loss of the 2022-23 season, and it’s deserved.
A nasty correction.
This is what best defines this match, which was only a very formal formality for the guys from Massachusetts. An avalanche of winning shots against a Nets defense that remained in the locker room during the first quarter, and 30 points already separate the two teams after 12 minutes.
How to describe the Brooklyn team? Ghosts. No collective movement, and the only sketches of constructed play swept away by perfect defensive rotations on the C’s side. The Nets are cut like a lump of hot butter. The proof ? We thought Steve Nash had put on the Derrick White jersey tonight, and even Luke Kornet billed ice cream for two extra free throws, you get the pun.
The only one who tried to sound the revolt was named Cam Thomas, but he very strangely left a few minutes after his arrival on the ground, even though he was doing a little work in the solid defense of the Clovers. Jayson Tatum? Monstrous, the guy did what he wanted. 18 points at the end of the first quarter, more than the opponent overall.
pouring it on 🔥 pic.twitter.com/big536hFnJ
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 2, 2023
We put the emphasis on the analysis of the first quarter… and that’s because then everything will be under control for Joe Mazzulla’s men. The Nets decided to be picky, and with 30 points in the ganache after less than a quarter of an hour of play, it was already a waste of time. Too many forced shots, a locked Kyrie who can’t do his job and a team following in his wake. Uncle Drew will not even play the fourth quarter, proof – if any other was needed – of the annoying gloom of the evening.
As for the stats, it’s very, very clean Boston: a 57.6% overall shooting success and a statistically leading Jayson Tatum with 31 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Joe Mazzulla will even go from his trashtalk by indicating at the end of the third quarter that he was just waiting for his leader to reach 31 points – his average this season – to send him to rest for good. Hey, even the Celtics sweeper fell back faster than the Nets tonight. Nasty but deserved, just like this flawless victory.
keep that hustle up 😂 pic.twitter.com/2BzogJ7jy5
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 2, 2023
A very pepouze evening for Boston, and a turbo torpedo for Brooklyn, who will have to get up quickly. The absence of Kevin Durant was greatly felt tonight, as the Nets never found a viable offensive solution to put the C’s under pressure. Match to forget for Kai and his buddies, prestigious victory for the Clubs. One room, two atmospheres.
Source : ESPN
