3 takeaways: Jayson Tatum explodes for 50 points, Nets drop Game 3

Jayson Tatum put his Celtics on his back and scored 50 points to help them win Game 3, 125-119.

In an attempt to take a commanding 3-0 lead over the Boston Celtics on Friday night, the Brooklyn Nets had to show up and show out at TD Garden. They did just that in the opening minutes of the game, opening the game with a 19-4 run before Brad Stevens was forced to call time out. After the time out, the Celtics woke up from their slumber and matched the Nets’ energy offensively. To help their case, they were dominate on the offensive boards, securing nine of them before the half.

James Harden sparked Brooklyn’s early run, ending his half with 17 points. Jayson Tatum (21 PTS, 8-15 FG) proved difficult to stop, though, and had the team-high for the Celtics at the break.

Tatum picked up right where he left off in the second half. Marcus Smart was also phenomenal as he began heating up from deep. Boston outscored Brooklyn 35-27 in the third quarter to go into the fourth period up 12.

To start the fourth, James Harden came out giving his squad life as he drained three after three after three. He helped to cut the deficit as Brooklyn continued to string together stops. When it was time for Tatum to check back into the game, the Nets defense switched their attention to him. Yet, it still wasn’t enough.

The All-Star erupted for 50 points to close out the win despite Harden scoring 15 points in the final period to lead the Nets. Boston has now made this a series, but they still trail 2-1.

A disappointed Steve Nash said after the game “rhey took the momentum — They started to feel a little confidence for the first time in these three games.”