3 takeaways: The Brooklyn Nets eliminate the Boston Celtics in Game 5

The Nets are moving on to the second round after defeating the Boston Celtics, 123-109

The Brooklyn Nets were in a perfect situation for Game 5. They were up 3-1 in the series, set to play in front of their home fans and the Celtics were severely undermanned, with Kemba Walker and Robert Williams out for the matchup. Right out the gates, James Harden took initiative to set the tone. As a result he had a near triple-double at the half with 18 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds before the break.

For almost the entire first two periods Brooklyn seemed to find all their bucks in the paint. They scored 28 of their 59 points in the interior to lead the Celtics 59-51 at the end of the first and second quarter. Kyrie Irving (15 PTS) was the second leading scorer for the Nets in the first half while Jabari Parker (11 PTS) and Jayson Tatum (11 PTS) were the leading scorers for Boston.

In the second half, Kevin Durant picked up his scoring and was the go-to option to start the third quarter. As he began cooking, James Harden and Kyrie Irving continued adding on to their slate. Boston just didn’t have any life left, but they kept fighting. Although it wasn’t enough.

James Harden’s (34 PTS, 10 ASTS, 10 REBS) triple-double headlined the night as Brooklyn finished off the Celtics 123-109. It capped off the series 4-1 for the Nets and it officially set the stage for a must see second round matchup between them and the Milwaukee Bucks. It will be must see TV.