The Boston Celtics fell short against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 1, losing 104-93 due to faltering in the second half. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were too much for the Celtics to handle in the final 24 minutes as Boston falls down 0-1 in the series.
The Celtics were impressive in the first half, leading 53-47 after the first 24 minutes. Jayson Tatum scored 15 first half points to get the ball rolling. Marcus Smart added in 11 first half points of his own.
But it was the third quarter where the game began to get away from the Celtics. The Nets jumped out to an 18-4 run to start the third as they outscored the Celtics 31-20 in the quarter. Durant, Irving, and Harden combined for 28 points in the third quarter.
In the fourth, the Celtics couldn’t find their groove offensively as Irving scored 13 points in the final 12 minutes to help clinch the game for Brooklyn.
Celtics President Danny Ainge doesn’t think Kyrie Irving lied about returning to team in free agency https://t.co/rYU2Pxfz6f
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 22, 2021
Tatum led the way for Boston with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists but struggled from the field, shooting just 6-of-20 from the field. Marcus Smart finished with 17 points, 3 rebonds, and 5 assists. Kemba Walker added 15 points while battling foul trouble throughout the game.
The true bright spot for the Celtics was Robert Williams, who returned from battling with a turf toe injury. Off the bench in just under 23 minutes, Williams finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 blocks. Time Lord was able to alter shot after shot on the defensive end as his continued health will prove crucial for the Celtics going forward.
The Celtics will look to bounce back in Game 2 come Tuesday at 6:30PM on TNT.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!