The Boston Celtics continue their undefeated streak in the NBA with a remarkable victory against the Brooklyn Nets. Jrue Holiday stole the show, putting on an impressive performance and falling just one rebound short of a triple-double.
Despite tough competition from the Nets, who were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Celtics held their ground and secured a hard-fought win. The Nets, missing key players Ben Simmons and Cameron Johnson, proved to be a formidable opponent, with Cam Thomas causing trouble for the Celtics’ defense and Mikal Bridges keeping the game competitive. Spencer Dinwiddie also displayed his skills with a balanced 19-point, 6-rebound, and 6-assist stat line. However, the Celtics managed to grind out a victory against a decent team, showcasing their resilience.
In the game, Jayson Tatum reached a significant milestone, scoring his 10,000th career point. Tatum’s offensive prowess has been on full display this season, particularly in his post-up plays, where he has been incredibly efficient. With his finesse and improved physique, Tatum continues to establish himself as a dominant offensive force. This milestone is just the beginning for the talented young Celtic.
Derrick White was absent from the game due to personal reasons, which likely involved the birth of his second child. White’s commitment and durability are commendable, and his absence was felt by the team.
Jrue Holiday once again proved his worth, contributing 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. Although he occasionally takes questionable three-point shots and had three turnovers in the game, Holiday’s overall performance was excellent. His ability to shoot from behind the arc adds another dimension to the Celtics’ offense, attracting defensive attention and opening up scoring opportunities for players like Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Luke Kornet had his best game of the season so far, making a significant impact against the Nets. Kornet’s baskets in the second quarter helped the Celtics regain the lead, and he continued to contribute with pick-and-roll layups, dunks, and crucial rebounds. Against a smaller Nets team, Kornet’s presence was instrumental in creating mismatches and taking advantage of the attention given to other players. He finished the game with 11 points on perfect shooting and seven rebounds, living up to the preseason hype surrounding him.
Kristaps Porzingis had a quietly impressive evening, scoring 22 points on accurate shooting and showcasing his versatility on defense. With the Celtics primarily using him in drop pick-and-roll coverages in previous games, Porzingis showed his ability to contest shooters on the perimeter. Additionally, he excelled in the paint against smaller defenders, demonstrating his overall impact on the game.
The Nets targeted Sam Hauser in pick-and-rolls whenever he was on the court, taking advantage of the defensive matchups. While Hauser defended credibly, the Nets managed to score against him. His defensive efforts, however, provide valuable learning experiences that could eventually lead to him becoming a standout defender.
There was a heated moment involving Jacque Vaughn, the Celtics’ assistant coach, and the officials. Vaughn passionately argued for a push-off foul against Tatum after a layup, resulting in a technical foul. Despite Vaughn’s fervent protestations, the officials showed composure and avoided ejecting him from the game.
Al Horford may not have had eye-catching stats, but his plus/minus of +29 speaks volumes about his impact on the game. In the fourth quarter, Horford made crucial plays with a steal, a tough layup in transition, and an emphatic alley-oop dunk that sealed the victory for the Celtics. Unfortunately, he received a technical foul for hanging on the rim during the dunk, which seemed unjust given his age and the physical demands of jumping.
With an undefeated record, the Celtics look like a formidable force in the NBA. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road, putting their winning streak on the line. Upon returning to TD Garden, they will once again clash with the Nets in their first in-season tournament game.
In summary, the Celtics’ victory against the Nets showcased their ability to win even when not performing at their best. Jrue Holiday’s standout performance, Jayson Tatum’s milestone, and the contributions of players like Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis played key roles in the team’s success. As the Celtics continue their winning streak, they establish themselves as one of the top teams in the NBA.
