Nets vs. Celtics: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
Game Time: 3:30 PM EDT on Sunday April 17, 2022
Brooklyn Nets 114, Boston Celtics 115 (Final)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Steve Popper @StevePopperSteve Nash on Kyrie playing through the crowd noise: “This is a guy that’s made the game winning shot in the Finals, he’s played in the Olympics, all-star game MVP.” – 6:20 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachInstant observations from the Cs/Nets thriller. bostonglobe.com/2022/04/17/spo… – 6:20 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmannWithout looking back at the film, feels like Tatum’s defense was awesome against Durant & not nearly as awesome against Irving.
2 great offensive players, very different in regard to keeping them in front of you. – 6:20 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA-Brown – getting the quick 2 to preserve the 2-for-1
-Incredible defense on Kyrie and KD on last Nets possession
-Smart finding Tatum
That’s a sequence man. – 6:19 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellNash isn’t concerned about KD’s struggles in Game 1. “Kevin’s Kevin Durant for a reason. He figures things out on his own very, very well.” – 6:19 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne“I don’t want to overreact — Kevin is Kevin Durant for reason.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kevin Durant’s performance – 6:19 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBSKevin Durant probably won’t shoot 9-of-24 again.
Brooklyn’s role players probably won’t shoot 21-of-34 again.
Kyrie will probably have at least one more killer game like this, but he’ll have some lesser games too.
I really don’t know what to make of Brooklyn right now. – 6:18 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarlySteve Nash says he doesn’t know if there’s any atmosphere that’s gonna rattle Kyrie Irving. – 6:18 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsWHAT A FINISH pic.twitter.com/wxrdLZ7SuQ – 6:18 PM
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportEpic Game 1! #Nets showed real heart, roaring all the way back from down 15. Kyrie was sensational, KD going to have a huge series. #Celtics’ calling card has been defense: How will Nash adjust to C’s pliable lineups? I’m on @NBCNewYork 2nite breaking it all down w/@BruceBeck4NY! – 6:17 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne“There aren’t any atmospheres that are really going to rattle him.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving – 6:17 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoopAnd minutes after the Celtics’ win, the NBA releases the three finalists for its individual awards, including this one… pic.twitter.com/E6WaA2dDxm – 6:17 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne“We needed him. He was brilliant.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving – 6:17 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWobone of the biggest benefits of not calling your last timeout to draw up a play: you prevent the other team from subbing in their best defenders.
after Marcus’ pump-fake disposed of Claxton, this was all that was left to defend the rim for Brooklyn. game over. pic.twitter.com/TttJHTJCma – 6:16 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAMarcus Smart has been named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year alongside Mikal Bridges and Rudy Gobert, per the NBA. – 6:16 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryanRudy Gobert is a finalist for what would be his 4th defensive player of the year award.
Marcus Smart and Mikal Bridges are the other two finalists. – 6:15 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBASmart not taking that shot was the epitome of why the Celtics love and trust him. – 6:15 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP2021-22 Boston Celtics in games decided by 5 or fewer…
Regular season: 5-16
Playoffs : 1-0 – 6:15 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247Tatum has 5 go-ahead shots in final 5 seconds of 4th/OT in last 3 seasons, most in the NBA https://t.co/qdvaMdj0UG pic.twitter.com/Q3H1W3ryzn – 6:14 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThe Celtics defense on the Nets final possession was incredible. – 6:14 PM
Rosalyn Gold-Onwude @ROSGO21I’d love to hear more about the Celtics (Ime) decision not to call a timeout. Just want to hear more as a hoops head. The why, the poise, the trust, the execution and of course, the reward and payoff. 🤯🤯🤯🔥🔥🔥🏀🏀 – 6:14 PM
Tony Mejia @MejiaDineroGreat final play from the Celtics. No timeout paid off. Nets cover for the people but Brooklyn was in position to put it away earlier if Durant or Dragic knock down 3s with no one in front of them. – 6:14 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBAI can’t get over Marcus Smart having the restraint to not shoot with 3.5 left. Patient play to pump fake, drawing two defenders. Jayson Tatum had the spin finish also great awareness to have such an timely cut to give Smart a target. Beautiful basketball. pic.twitter.com/TOufyXjMc7 – 6:14 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsenRudy Gobert will at least be in the top-3 for DPOY. Marcus Smart, Mikal Bridges the other finalists. – 6:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankinMikal Bridges, Rudy Gobert and Marcus Smart #NBA Defensive Player of The Year finalist. #Suns pic.twitter.com/8WejAFczZ5 – 6:13 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAMarcus Smart has been named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. – 6:13 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwillAl Horford on that last defensive possession did some excellent work – 6:13 PM
The Ringer @ringernbaJayson Tatum watching Kyrie go off pic.twitter.com/H3C2nNc5iW – 6:12 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics win 115-114. Lead series 1-0.
Tatum – 31/4/8
Brown – 23/5/3/4/2
Horford – 20/15
Smart – 20/7/6
Celtics – 47.2% FGs
Celtics – 12-33 3Ps
Celtics – 14 TOs
Irving – 39/5/6/4/1
Durant – 23/4/3
Claxton – 13/8
Dragic – 14 points
Nets – 53.8% FGs
Nets – 11-24 3Ps
Nets – 16 TOs – 6:12 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoriaNow on @njdotcom
NBA Playoffs 2022:
Kyrie Irving pours in 39 points, flips off Celtics fan during Brooklyn Nets’ Game 1 loss nj.com/nets/2022/04/n… – 6:12 PM
Dan Favale @danfavalethe celtics defense on the nets’ final offensive possession was ridiculous pic.twitter.com/0L1BvUkGzv – 6:12 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPinamarcus smart on the game-winning drive and kick pic.twitter.com/HG3vKRHUYs – 6:12 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAThat was an incredible cut by Tatum. KD had two up top after Brown relocated but I’m not sure he even saw Tatum cut behind him. – 6:12 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWobjust want to remind everyone the Celtics not only said they welcomed this matchup, they went out of their way to make it happen the final week of the regular season. absolutely righteous Game 1 one payoff. – 6:12 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKidMan, Marcus Smart made the PLAY OF THE GAME to not chuck that shot and actually shot fake and pass it. Great awareness of the situation and clock!!! – 6:12 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsOn to the next one. pic.twitter.com/4sgr781Ueu – 6:12 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_VecenieAlso, love that Udoka didn’t call a timeout there. I’m assuming he say Jaylen had the mismatch on Dragic and thought that was better than anything they could get re-setting? Super smart to let it ride. – 6:11 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDebsure the celtics won but a seven seed making it that close is very concerning – 6:11 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKidI can’t wait to watch this Kyrie Irving presser. 😂😂 – 6:11 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeatBam Adebayo NOT a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. It’s Rudy Gobert, Marcus Smart, Mikal Bridges. – 6:10 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNUFirst ever Jayson Tatum buzzer beater
First Celtics buzzer beater since February 2018 (Al Horford vs Blazers)
First Celtics buzzer beater in playoffs since Paul Pierce at Miami in 2010 – 6:10 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13That was the first game-winning buzzer beater in the playoffs at home in Celtics history.
This was the 358th home game in Celtics playoff history.
For a storied franchise that’s seen almost everything you can imagine, that was a first. – 6:10 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguetMikal Bridges joins Marcus Smart and Rudy Gobert as the 3 finalists for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award – 6:10 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBSBoston may have just had the best defensive possession of the season to set up Tatum’s winner. WOW. – 6:10 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeerMarcus Smart makes winning basketball play – example 7,456 – 6:10 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42A blown opportunity by Brooklyn to steal a game on the road.
Winning on the road in the playoffs is hard and those opportunities don’t happen very often. – 6:10 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAJayson Tatum to Lisa Salters on ABC: “We didn’t want to call a timeout and set their defense up…I just went to get the rebound and (Smart) found me and it was just a layup. Just a layup.” – 6:10 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops‘Member a few weeks ago … Bulls fans wanted to play Boston … pic.twitter.com/GZAoUO8pmi – 6:10 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrangeThat was entertaining. Damn. What a play by Tatum and what a quarter by Kyrie. Whatever you think about him, he’s pure hoop genius. Fun. – 6:09 PM
Evan Dunlap @BQRMagicBasketball gods should not have rewarded Boston for wearing black at home. Only bad thing I have to say about that finish. – 6:09 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsONE DOWN
pic.twitter.com/QMeQVFqjqP – 6:09 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_VecenieBoston-Brooklyn is an all-time classic NBA game. An ALL TIME CLASSIC. We had Kyrie giving Boston fans the finger while dropping 39/6/5. We had Jaylen Brown out there bleeding in the final minutes. Tatum buzzer beater layup on a great final possession. Just so much superstar shit – 6:09 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBAMuch was made of the Celtics needing to take advantage of KD missing all those shots, and that’s true, but the Nets probably also needed to take advantage an otherworldly Kyrie game and the Celtics missing all those shots at the rim. – 6:09 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeIt was crazy because it reached a point where the #Celtics tripled Kyrie so he could pass to Durant, who missed the potential dagger jumper. Kyrie was that good today but not quite good enough for the win. #Celtics #Nets – 6:09 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46That Celtics-Nets series easily can be the best playoffs series! Game 1 was fire… #NBAPlayoffs – 6:09 PM
Howard Chen @TheHoChenI mean, that mic is fairly close to Tatum’s mouth and you can still barely hear him.
That means it is CRAZY loud there. – 6:09 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbullsTatum at the buzzer,,Celtics beat Nets 115-114. – 6:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferFinal: Jayson Tatum’s spinning layup carries the Celtics over the Nets 115-114. Kyrie Irving was brilliant, Kevin Durant wasn’t himself and the supporting cast was solid. Goran Dragic was fantastic. Celtics lead the series 1-0. @Jared Weiss has a story coming. – 6:08 PM
StatMuse @statmuseKyrie in Game 1:
39 PTS
5 REB
6 AST
4 STL
12-20 FG
6-10 3P
He did this with no food or water. pic.twitter.com/dwQ5bgUtLU – 6:08 PM
Gary Tanguay @Gary_TanguayGreat game. Kyrie kept the Nets in it but his selfishness at the end – to much dribbling – cost the Nets. Clutch play by Tatum. Unselfish play by Smart. – 6:08 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBAJayson Tatum spinning around a flailing Kyrie for the game winning layup was the perfect way to end this game – 6:08 PM
Draymond Green @Money23GreenAnd there’s the difference in the Celtics team. Last year Marcus Smart would’ve taken that shot. Ime got him to buy in and be the Marcus smart everyone loved out of Ok State. BEAUTIFUL! Looking like a true PG again! That’s what made Him special! – 6:08 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbCredit for the play starts with Smart. Had the patience to wait out the Nets defense for Tatum cutting backdoor – 6:08 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahnIncredible poise on that pass by Marcus Smart. He had a tremendous game. Such a ridiculously valuable player. #Celtics – 6:08 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDNIncredible ending. Kyrie carried the team but played matador defense on the final possession. Also had Goran Dragic open on previous possession but understandably looked him off (Dragic was lost all game). – 6:08 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeSeen a lot of games here at the Garden, that was Top 3 easily #Celtics #Nets – 6:08 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelasThe fact that Marcus Smart didn’t take that shot and had incredible poise to find a better one. 🤯 – 6:08 PM
Howard Chen @TheHoChenIt’s so loud in that arena that you can’t really hear what Tatum is saying into a microphone connected to the broadcast – 6:08 PM
Brad Townsend @townbradSmart-to-Tatum with a split-second to spare. Wow. – 6:08 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKoselWhat a finish to this Celtics-Nets Game 1! Tatum with a beautiful cut and finish at the rim to beat the final buzzer.
NBA Playoff basketball. Nothing like it. – 6:08 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguetWhat a finish by Tatum and the Celtics. It’s only one loss on the road, where they’re expected to lose in a Game 1, but that’s a gut-punch for the Nets to come up short after that Kyrie Irving performance – 6:07 PM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_TynanNo idea what the Nets were doing defensively on the previous Celtics possession either – 6:07 PM
StatMuse @statmuseJayson Tatum in Game 1:
31 PTS
8 AST
9-18 FG
GAME WINNER. pic.twitter.com/CAHvIgE9sp – 6:07 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyWas starting to feel like the Celtics were only going to win that game if Kyrie didn’t get the last shot. That’s one way to make sure he didn’t. – 6:07 PM
Rob Mahoney @RobMahoneyPretty strong endorsement there for Point Guard Marcus Smart. – 6:07 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalezSell Boston to Canada – 6:07 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshypeThree of the best scoring marks of Kyrie Irving in his playoff career have come against Boston.
For what it’s worth. – 6:07 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsJAYSON TATUM FOR THE WIN!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/WUr4UsaURk – 6:07 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_TriplettI was screaming call a timeout and look at the Celtics! Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum wowww – 6:07 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneFINAL: Nets 114, Celtics 115
Kyrie Irving (39 PTS), Kevin Durant (23 PTS), Goran Dragić (14 PTS) & the Nets almost rally back from down 15. Game 1 went all the way down to the wire and it was the Celtics who stepped up when it mattered to seal the deal. – 6:07 PM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrowIncredible patience from Boston on that possession, wow. No forcing a bad shot. And what timing from Tatum on the spin. – 6:07 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYCAt least Nets +4 with the cover – 6:07 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedcWhat a cut by Tatum. What a great Game 1. THESE ARE THE PLAYOFFS. – 6:07 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAKyrie matador defense on the Tatum layup. – 6:07 PM
Howard Chen @TheHoChenGreat presence of mind to pass it, and then Tatum releasing the ball in the nick of time. Wow wow wow – 6:07 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoopsIme Udoka opts not to call the timeout and the decision pays off.
Great patience by Marcus Smart.
Celtics take Game 1. – 6:07 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerGreat call by Udoka to spring that late double on Kyrie with Horford. – 6:06 PM
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportJayson Tatum scored this will be counted and #Celtics will be up 1-0. – 6:06 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineCeltics win it at the buzzer. On a layup! After a killer defensive possession!
And this was only Game 1. – 6:06 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingThis place is deafening. Ime Udoka went without a timeout. He trusted the Celtics to make the right play. They worked the ball around until they found Tatum at the buzzer. A rough fourth quarter otherwise, but all their progress this season showed up at the most important time. – 6:06 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellTatum wins it at the buzzer with a layup.
Celtics win it 115-114. TD Garden is going absolutely nuts.
Kyrie finishes with 39 points. Tatum finishes with 31 points and the game-winner. Celtics up 1-0.
Game 2 is Wednesday. – 6:06 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyUnreal! Looked like the Celtics were going nowhere and should have taken the timeout. – 6:06 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeTatum basket good. Haven’t heard TD Garden this loud since 2010. #Celtics #Nets – 6:06 PM
Miles Bridges @MilesBridgesKyrie 🔥 – 6:06 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbBasket stands. Celtics win 115-114. What a game. – 6:06 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBACeltics dont call timeout and pull off one of the wildest tight-rope game winners you’ll see all year. Celtics win a bloodbath 115-114 on a Jayson Tatum spinning layup. – 6:06 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsNo slowing him down 🥶 pic.twitter.com/oePjz4yza8 – 6:06 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedJayson Tatum’s layup wins it on a broken possession. Celtics 115, Nets 114. It beat the clock.
Celtics lead the series, 1-0. – 6:05 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson18 points in the 4th quarter for Uncle Drew.
Ramadan Kyrie up there with Flu Game Jordan. – 6:05 PM
Boston Celtics @celticseajsfhsdkfjldsfjosd;fjqegr – 6:05 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbHoly crap, Celtics win on a literal buzzer beater. Incredible. – 6:05 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Celtics win at the buzzer – 6:05 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeardKyrie …
*checks notes*
…is still a bucket. – 6:05 PM
Vince Cellini @Vince_Cellini…and with no vaxx
@Brooklyn Nets – 6:05 PM
Kevin Love @kevinloveArtistry from Kyrie – 6:05 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferKyrie Irving with 39 points on 12-for-20 shooting while fasting. Absolute clinic. Nets up 114-113 with 38 seconds left. – 6:05 PM
Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShowkyrie 4th qtr is crazzzzzzzy. and the heel act to accompany – 6:05 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_TriplettKyrie wanted that one! – 6:04 PM
The Ringer @ringernbaKYRIE. IRVING. – 6:04 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBAKyrie is cold blooded lmao. Nothing you can do about him. Unstoppable – 6:04 PM
Deonte Burton @DeonteBurtonMy goodness kyrie – 6:04 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperKyrie had two points in the first quarter, missing his only two field goal attempts. He now has 39 points, one middle finger to the crowd and a three-point lead with 45.9 seconds left. – 6:04 PM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBAKyrie stepped on the logo going to the bench, didn’t he? – 6:04 PM
Mike Richman @mikegrichKyrie is not a cool hang but he is extremely good. – 6:04 PM
StatMuse @statmuseA reminder that Kyrie wasn’t on the NBA 75 list. pic.twitter.com/zVPwrsWgqN – 6:04 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBAKyrie Irving is really mixing it up tonight – he’s alternating between the single and double birds… – 6:03 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineRamadan Kyrie. Absolute clinic. – 6:03 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAKyrie has been unreal today. – 6:03 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneKYRIE IRVING IS PRIME TIME! HE’S ACTING UP AGAIN! – 6:03 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_CarlinUncle Drew is just different pic.twitter.com/qyOV2bFHge – 6:03 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacobLol Kyrie – 6:03 PM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartinEste partidito entre @Boston Celtics y @Brooklyn Nets….. pic.twitter.com/cDaiaNQo6D – 6:03 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsKYRIE IRVING – 6:03 PM
Chris Miller @cmillsnbcsKYRIE IS THAT DUDE – 6:03 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedKyrie Irving with another sidestep 3 to give him 39 points on 12/20 FG. Timeout, Celtics. Nets lead, 114-111, with 45.9 to go in the 4th. – 6:03 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeKyrie with another 3 and he’s just taken the game from the #Celtics. 114-111 with 45.9 left. – 6:03 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb39 for Kyrie. – 6:03 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoWhy won’t Marcus Smart check Kyrie?
Ain’t he the DPOY? – 6:02 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemanni dunno man, i feel like you figure out a way to get tatum a look there and live with the result regardless of how open smart is – 6:02 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwrightWas a little disappointed to draw Nets-Celtics for first round. Damn, WTH was I thinking? – 6:02 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoBoston, just get the ball to Jayson Tatum.
I mean my goodness. – 6:01 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeDurant with a contested jumper and #Nets up 2 with 1:16 left. Brown is bleeding again. Timeout. – 6:01 PM
Trey Kerby @treykerbyTwo fourth quarters missed FTs mean all Celtics fans get a free can of baked beans. – 6:00 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247Jaylen Brown will have two bowls of split pleas soup, eh? pic.twitter.com/j08RLlcDiH – 6:00 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoThey brought back hand checking for KD, huh? – 6:00 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAOh White…
You got the switch. Throw it back to Tatum! – 6:00 PM
Tre Jones @Tre3JonesKyrie is diff – 5:59 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingWhite just attacked KD after the Celtics got the switch they wanted for Tatum. Not the best decision. – 5:59 PM
StatMuse @statmuseKyrie updated power rankings:
1. Untucked Kyrie
2. Ramadan Kyrie
3. Middle finger Kyrie
4. Black mask Kyrie
5. Part time Kyrie
6. Headband Kyrie
7. Clear mask Kyrie pic.twitter.com/7wbEdd7i7h – 5:59 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBAJaylen Brown looks wild – 5:58 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerShould have been a foul on Kyrie on that inbound play – 5:58 PM
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportI cannot get over this “hockey” assist from Marcus Smart. Absolutely impossible pass leads to the Jaylen Brown triple.
#Nets #Celtics pic.twitter.com/DTEp7BOCu5 – 5:58 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeJaylen came up bloody from that White layup and Claxton gets fouled on a layup attempt. #Nets #Celtics – 5:58 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_VecenieThis is about as complete a game as I’ve seen Kyrie play. Has had better scoring games, better passing games, but not sure I’ve seen him do EVERYTHING at once the way he’s doing it. Been good on defense in the second half. Awesome passing with some super advanced reads vs elite D – 5:58 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThe last time these two teams played, when they both relatively whole, Boston had a collapse early in Q4. Then they rallied and figured it out. Let’s see what today. – 5:56 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBAIt’s a ridiculous luxury for Boston that Al Horford can guard KD like that. – 5:56 PM
Dan Favale @danfavalegenuinely unreal pass from marcus smart pic.twitter.com/TyrXB2502e – 5:56 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbCeltics had a mini collapse against Nets in fourth quarter during last regular season matchup at Garden before pulling through in crunch time. Trying to pull off same here. – 5:56 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalezI don’t know if there’s a Hell but if there is it’s the Garden during a Celtics game – 5:56 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAKyrie is so feast or famine defensively. He’s made huge help plays at the rim and steals, and also just given up easy drives from not being ready. – 5:56 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemanntatum — what a stand there – 5:55 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedWe’ve got a tie game, 107-107, with 3:15 to go in the 4th quarter. #ThisGame has given us everything we’ve wanted in a Game 1: physical play, rowdy fans, stars being stars & role players stepping up.
Now it’s winning time. KD & Kyrie on one side. Jayson Tatum & Co. on the other – 5:55 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsBIG-TIME SHOT 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/5p9Bzb3mqy – 5:55 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger“Good extra pass” by Derrick White but I worry that it was more him wanting no part of shooting that – 5:55 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisCeltics get themselves together after the timeout… Horford great D on Durant to force a miss.. C’s back to converting on the other end and we’re back tied with 3:15 left – 5:55 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeSmart with the driving layup and it’s tied at 107 with 3:15 left. Timeout #Nets – 5:55 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBANets vs. Celtics: Kyrie Irving gives middle finger to Boston crowd after making tough 3-pointer in Game 1
cbssports.com/nba/news/nets-… – 5:54 PM
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportThree key plays here for the #Nets:
1. Excellent transition defense from Kevin Durant staying vertical while back-peddling (very difficult)
2. Goran Dragic misses the push shot, but knows Nic Claxton is right there
3. Claxton again makes a winning play with the and-1 follow pic.twitter.com/ujGpL7kXtQ – 5:54 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPinathe celtics are 2-for-7 in the restricted area in the 4th quarter – 5:53 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBSIf Boston loses there will be a lot of reasons why, but their fourth-quarter finishing will be one of the biggest. – 5:52 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsDoing what he does best 🤩 pic.twitter.com/933bU5XPVw – 5:52 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics make a layup challenge – 5:52 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalkWhat are the Celtics at the rim this quarter? – 5:51 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontempsThe Celtics have made some costly mistakes here in the fourth, both forcing bad shots offensively and falling asleep defensively, and the Nets have repeatedly made them pay. Brooklyn has a chance to get a huge win here to open this series. – 5:51 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPinasmart left kyrie to squeeze kd, thinking tatum would rotate off brown in the corner. that’s a tough breakdown. – 5:51 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAI think Tatum is gassed. Playing him the entire second half was a choice and it seems like it backfired. So far. – 5:51 PM
StatMuse @statmuseKyrie has scored 13 points on 5-5 shooting (3-3 from three) since giving the fans the finger. pic.twitter.com/UuYwfveF3L – 5:51 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisTatum, Smart, and Udoka talking about the breakdown that gave Kyrie an open 3. Looks like it was supposed to be an “X-out” where Tatum stepped up on Kyrie & Smart went to the guy in the corner – 5:51 PM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgittKyrie Irving is something else when he’s got his game working. 34 points on 10-for-17 shooting with six assists, four rebounds, four steals and a block. It’s a lot of fun to watch. – 5:51 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeKyrie has 13 pts in 4Q already. #Celtics #Nets – 5:51 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKidLOL!!!! I know Boston fans sick. This man Kyrie is going crazy!! 🔥🔥 – 5:50 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerSmart expected Tatum to stunt at Irving and leave Brown in corner. Tatum just chilled. – 5:50 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoY’all must’ve forgotten about who Kyrie is and what Kyrie’s done.
Go brush up on history during the break. – 5:50 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperKyrie with another 3 and he yells something to the same group of fans. Likely apologizing for giving them the finger earlier, right? – 5:50 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_VecenieBoston-Brooklyn is absolutely god damn glorious. – 5:50 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBASmart expected Tatum to rotate up to Kyrie as he doubled Durant, but Tatum is so tired he couldn’t execute. Also got beat on the boxout by Claxton, and couldn’t run the floor after his block on Kyrie. – 5:50 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneThe Nets just need KD to stop rushing some of his shots and they’ll be good. – 5:50 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedcHe’s unguardable. And the scary thing about Brooklyn is, they have two of those. – 5:50 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavsYeah, Nets-Celtics is pretty good theater – 5:50 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDebwhen was the last time an opposing player owned a home crowd like this? kyrie is peak scott hall right now – 5:50 PM
Tony Jones @TjonesonthenbaKyrie legit might be the best offensive robin in NBA history – 5:50 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAHow in the world do you lose Kyrie?
Celtics players barking at each other going into the timeout.
This is early season unraveling in the fourth quarter showing up. – 5:50 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalkWhen the Celtics are patient on offense, good things happen, but they want to rush and get it all back at once. Nets are going to score, Celtics just not weathering it well. – 5:50 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyHow is Smart (or any Celtic player) that far off of Kyrie there? – 5:50 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisKyrie Irving hit a 3-pointer and looked at those same courtside fans. #Nets up 107-102 with 5:30 left. #Celtics – 5:49 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeAnd now the players are snapping at each other after Kyrie is left open for a 3. BRK 107, BOS 102 with 5:30 left. – 5:49 PM
Danny Leroux @DannyLerouxGood lord that Nets defense off a missed FT – 5:49 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachKyrie is letting the Celtics score because he doesn’t want his 5th foul but it doesn’t matter because he’s doing whatever he wants on offense. – 5:49 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbUgly defensive breakdown there for that Kyrie 3. – 5:49 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemannjaylen brown hanging on the rim for an extra second — what an insult to the game and poor sportsmanship! i say automatic tech! – 5:49 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Celtics doing too much on fastbreaks, trying to make home run plays. Wasting too many chances. – 5:48 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBATatum looks totally out of gas right now. – 5:48 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsBack in front. pic.twitter.com/xaXZxAcTkA – 5:48 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRapsNo matter what you think of Kyrie Irving, his basketball brilliance is undeniable – 5:48 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoKyrie scoring and then telling the Boston crowd to cry is a beautiful thing. pic.twitter.com/P3R2CzTrmt – 5:47 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBATwo points in five minutes is really bad, especially against this Nets defense. – 5:47 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBATwice Kyrie has blown right by Tatum. Not sure if Tatum is tired, but that’s terrible defense. – 5:47 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56The Celtics haven’t made a basket in five fourth quarter minutes – 5:47 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe13-0 #Nets run – 5:46 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyCeltics 0 for 7 in the fourth quarter. No defense is good enough when you’re doing nothing on the other end. – 5:45 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellDragic has really shown up for the Nets all day — even more impressive considering he has only played once over the last couple weeks after being in health and safety protocols. He’s got 14 points and has provided a calming, veteran presence for the group. – 5:45 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDebno pressure but this would be a disastrous loss for boston. rare bad game from KD. home double digit fourth quarter lead. – 5:45 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsJoined an exclusive list 👏 pic.twitter.com/kKU8b9HUt5 – 5:45 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperThis is a 15-2 Nets run — Celtics 0-for-7 in the fourth — to turn an 11-point deficit into a two-point lead in just 4:14. – 5:44 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAMajor difference right now?
Nets bench has been pretty good highlighted by Claxton and Dragic.
Celtics bench has been pretty bad. – 5:44 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Celtics are 0-for-7 with three TOs in 4Q. – 5:43 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA15-2 Nets here in the 4th a little over 4 mins in. – 5:43 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoI didn’t want to say it but…
Goran Dragic might be point shaving 😭 – 5:43 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics have to play through and make layups. They’re getting way too hectic here for no real reason. – 5:43 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis15-2 run now & the Celtics looked rushed. They are playing out of control and even something as simple as corralling easy offensive rebounds is going wrong – 5:43 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedTimeout, Brooklyn: The Nets have outscored the Celtics, 15-2, here in the 4th quarter and now lead 100-98 after trailing 15 in the 3rd quarter. Incredible turn of events. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have combined for 50. – 5:42 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe31-14 #Nets run. – 5:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA15-2 Nets run to open Q4 to take the lead. – 5:42 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayoWhat in the world is Goran Dragic doing? – 5:42 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingOne of many downsides for the Celtics letting Brooklyn come back while Durant was on the bench: He got a breather, should be fresher down the stretch. Tatum is up to 37 minutes. Would play 45 if he finishes the game. And it would be tough to get him a break at this point. – 5:42 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb15-2 Nets run to open fourth quarter. – 5:42 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeAnd the #Celtics look totally frazzled right now. – 5:41 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedThe Nets have come back from down 15 to take a 100-98 lead over the Celtics here with less than 8 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. – 5:41 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Nets lead – 5:41 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAFive fouls on Bruce Brown. – 5:41 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDNWhen Kyrie said he wants Boston fans to enjoy his highlights maybe this is what he meant. – 5:41 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAFour fouls on Kyrie Irving. – 5:40 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1Kyrie leaving his defender Flat… – 5:40 PM
Kevin Love @kevinloveKyrie is something else man… sheesh!!! 8-0 run by his damn self 🤯 – 5:40 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAKevin Durant is now the only Nets starter that doesn’t have 4 fouls. – 5:40 PM
Tim Cato @tim_catokyrie irving pic.twitter.com/Uor5lyUloA – 5:40 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshypeGame close down the stretch against a team with KD, Kyrie: Not ideal (at all). – 5:40 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsIn his zone 😤 pic.twitter.com/B2uF9K2gTo – 5:39 PM
Lang Greene @LangGreeneTatum, KD and Kyrie. In a first round matchup? Thank you basketball Gods. Thank you. – 5:39 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWobeveryone in this huddle drinking water to reenergize, KD searching his name on Twitter. – 5:38 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAStat line I didn’t expect today:
Nets with KD = -13
Non-KD minutes = +10 – 5:38 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoopsWhen the Celtics blow a double digit lead… pic.twitter.com/MfPye6NuNq – 5:36 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBAThe Celtics are getting shredded in non-Durant minutes. Nets are -13 with Durant on the floor. – 5:36 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellKyrie is getting hot just in time for the Nets. He just hit two threes in a row and is up to 27 points. All the boos seem to have focused him — and he’s been able to pick up the slack for KD. The Boston fans have gotten a little quieter after each shot goes down. – 5:36 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBAJayson Tatum too smooth with it 👏
pic.twitter.com/snmynR6hB8 – 5:36 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbNew: Kyrie Irving appeared to flip off the TD Garden crowd after knocking down a corner 3 in the third quarter masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 5:36 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferKyrie Irving went from flipping the bird to flipping the score. A pair of 3s have the Nets down just three now with 9:51 left. Trailed by as many as 15. – 5:36 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_CarlinUncle Drew has come alive – 5:36 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBAWhen Kyrie does Kyrie stuff on the court, my reaction is, “Damn.” He just makes it look so easy, which shouldn’t be possible at his height. – 5:36 PM
StatMuse @statmuseRamadan Kyrie. pic.twitter.com/jqEUdrTexM – 5:36 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis10-2 Nets run without Durant is an absolute worst case scenario. Again, the Nets have been losing those minutes to everyone — Cleveland, Indy, everyone. – 5:36 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics offense has slowed down way too much. Not pushing the ball nearly enough. – 5:36 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineFive steals and back-to-back 3s and this is why Kyrie Irving gets all the leeway he does in Brooklyn …
One-possession game. – 5:36 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBABack-to-back triples by Kyrie sandwiched around his fifth steal has the Nets back within three. – 5:35 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCHKyrie had enough or what? – 5:35 PM
Tyrese Haliburton @TyHaliburton22Man Kyrie is amazing – 5:35 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedBack-to-back 3s for Kyrie Irving. Timeout, Boston.
Celtics 98, Nets 95
9:51 to go in the 4th quarter.
Irving is up to 27 points on 7/13 FG. – 5:35 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsKAI 🔥🔥 – 5:35 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneRAMADAN KYRIE IS SOMETHING ELSE! – 5:35 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeAnd Kyrie comes back with back-to-back threes and the #Celtics lead is down to 3 with 9:51 left. #Nets – 5:35 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferNic Claxton with 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes. Since March he’s played great. – 5:35 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingKyrie just pulled them RIGHT back into it while Durant was sitting on the bench. – 5:35 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAGood off-ball defense from Kyrie. He read Tatum wanted to hit Pirtchard in the corner and he dropped to take that passing lane away. Helped cause the shot-clock violation. – 5:33 PM
StatMuse @statmuseYoung stars are putting on a show this playoffs.
Ant is 20
Maxey is 21
Poole is 22
Tatum is 19 pic.twitter.com/cu5qSNBnON – 5:33 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsJT for 3⃣ pic.twitter.com/LUeeANEeJ9 – 5:32 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingThat last shot by Tatum at the end of the third quarter had Paul Pierce vs. Al Harrington vibes without nearly as much trash talk. – 5:31 PM
StatMuse @statmuseWhen you study for Horford and Theis but got Tatum instead. pic.twitter.com/MUq8nXYWUW – 5:31 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperNets down by 11 entering the fourth quarter and Kyrie will be making a donation to charity for that gesture. – 5:31 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBANets 13/26 from midrange, C’s 2/6. – 5:30 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics lead 96-85 after three
Tatum – 27/4/8
Smart – 18 points
Horford – 18 points
Brown – 14 points
Celtics – 49.3% FGs
Celtics – 11-28 threes
Celtics – 10 TOs
Irving – 21 points
Durant – 18 points
Dragic – 14 points
Nets – 51.7% FGs
Nets – 6-15 threes
Nets – 14 TOs – 5:30 PM
Gary Tanguay @Gary_TanguayI am surprised how the Celts D has handcuffed KD. This has been a great game. 4th should be better. Not over yet. – 5:30 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBATesting the waters: How many players would you rather have than Jayson Tatum? – 5:30 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLeeJayson Tatum is in complete control – 5:30 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferEnd of the third quarter: Nets trail the Celtics 96-85. Lot of blocks down the stretch there. Jaylen Brown blocks Bruce Brown on a 2-on-1 Nets had with him and Durant. Jaylen Brown then scores on the other end. Jayson Tatum asks to have Claxton to himself and hits a 3 on him. – 5:30 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsFinal frame coming up pic.twitter.com/okDdAgymw8 – 5:29 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWobboth Tatum and Jaylen are now in the ever-exclusive Have Blocked KD’s Jumper Club. – 5:29 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisStrong finish to close the 3rd quarter and get the lead back up to double digits. What does Nash do with Durant right now? Does he sit and risk Boston pushing the lead out? – 5:29 PM
Boston Celtics @celtics12 minutes to go
pic.twitter.com/PIOJLPoH5h – 5:29 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellThis is the most KD has struggled since coming back from MCL injury. Celtics will not allow him to get space to get going. They’ve got somebody on him — and somebody else watching him — at all times. He is now just 7-for-19 in 32 mins. Celtics defense on him has been impressive – 5:29 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAAl Horford is like the right-handed Sabonis. Can’t spin over his right shoulder under any circumstances. Nets did a decent job playing him for that last couple times. – 5:29 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmonsPierce over Harrington flashbacks with that Tatum 3 – 5:29 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeKey final minute of 3Q as #Celtics score final 5 points, including a Tatum 3 in face of Claxton. BOS 96, BRK 85. Tatum 27, Horford 18, Smart 18, Brown 14; Irving 21, Durant 18, Dragic 14. – 5:28 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedJayson Tatum’s side-step 3 is up there with death and taxes at this point. Tatum has 27 points on 8/14 FG and the Celtics are taking a 96-85 lead over the Nets into the 4th quarter. Kyrie Irving has 21 on 5/11 and Kevin Durant is up to 18 points. Nets gave up 11-2 run to start Q3 – 5:28 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPinabruce brown has learned a lesson – 5:28 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachPretty powerful close to the third by the Celtics. Nets had what looked like an easy 2-on-1 to pull within 4 with 53 seconds left. Now they trail by 11. – 5:28 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpeTatum to the rescue. Impressive grit. – 5:28 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAHuge close to Q3 by the Celtics. – 5:28 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineI think Boston should keep Tatum and Brown … – 5:28 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneEnd of 3rd QTR: Nets 85, Celtics 96
Kyrie Irving (21 PTS), Kevin Durant (18 PTS), Goran Dragić (14 PTS) & the Nets started the third period horribly but are slowly recovering. Brooklyn has to get better on the defensive glass too. They’ve allowed 12 offensive boards. – 5:28 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacobWhat a big time swing by Jaylen Brown, chasedown block and the layup at the other end – 5:27 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAMonster effort by Jaylen Brown there. That’s huge. – 5:27 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedNic Claxton just bodied up Al Horford and rejected him at the rim. – 5:26 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDNKyrie Irving flipped the bird at a Boston fan. So long as it wasn’t Lucky the Leprechaun they’ll be okay. pic.twitter.com/hhXAznEQry – 5:26 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAKyrie giving someone in the crowd the finger after burying a jumper in Jaylen’s eye is pretty much this rivalry in a nutshell. – 5:25 PM
StatMuse @statmuse— Stomp on Lucky
— Finger to fans
Kyrie really hates Boston. pic.twitter.com/r01MJAZh4a – 5:23 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperKyrie hits an impossible three in the corner and has words – gestures? – with a fan along the sideline. Maybe they are just old friends from his time here. – 5:23 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwrightFeels like we need to keep fouls updated. Tatum 3, Theis 3, Smart 4, B. Brown 4, Drummond 4, Curry 4. – 5:23 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBAThe Nets are a much more active team – on both ends – when Nic Claxton’s on the court – 5:22 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA41% offensive rebounding for Boston to 13% for Brooklyn. – 5:22 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpeCeltics are in cruise control while the Nets suddenly found their urgency levels. Dangerous few minutes for Boston here. – 5:22 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics need to punish the Nets inside when they go to the three-guard look. – 5:22 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedTimeout, Celtics: The Nets still find themselves down, 91-84, but they have upped their effort on the defensive end. Kevin Durant has 17 points on 7/18 FG and Kyrie Irving has 21 on 5/11 shooting. Nets can’t afford to shoot themselves in the foot like they did to start the half. – 5:22 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsPlayoff Dragon 👌 pic.twitter.com/pyzedjqRoB – 5:20 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAFantastic call on Smart with the blocking foul, as he slid under Durant. You could see it from the sideline view easily. – 5:20 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerThat’s a pretty effective action for Tatum. Mills wants no part of a switch and KD struggles to power thru Smart’s screen. Nets lack of plus defenders becoming big factor. – 5:19 PM
Abby Chin @tvabbyAl Horford back off the bench. #Celtics defense can’t afford to keep him off the floor. – 5:19 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBANets aren’t going to go away. Celtics need to keep pushing here. – 5:16 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDNKyrie takes way longer than those 10 seconds on foul shots. – 5:15 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsDamon Stoudamire joins us at halftime to discuss the impact of Al Horford in the first half and finishing out strong. pic.twitter.com/vfoqr7sY3y – 5:15 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBANash going with 3 guards, KD and Claxton to try to get some more space. Celtics sticking with their normal rotation with Horford out for Williams. – 5:15 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed“Kyrie sucks!” chants have intensified here at TD Garden after Irving inadvertently hit Marcus Smart in the face while going up for a shot. Foul is still on Smart, and Irving is at the line shooting two. – 5:14 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbSmart appeared to take a shot from Irving there after fouling him. No review it appears upcoming. – 5:14 PM
Abby Chin @tvabbyBig ovation for Al Horford as he checks out. Al’s been huge today! – 5:14 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsBR🚫WN pic.twitter.com/PNDX3aHpyp – 5:13 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwrightThree Nets starters w/four fouls. Not ideal. – 5:13 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBACurry has a point to me about Tatum ripping up through his arm on that foul call. He and Nash both discussing it with the refs. – 5:12 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAFour fouls on Seth Curry. – 5:12 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoopsAs much fun Kyrie is to watch on the offensive end, so often he’s painful to watch on the other end of the court. – 5:12 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisNow a LOUD MVP chant for Tatum at the line – 5:12 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedJayson Tatum is headed to the line for free throws that could open up a 15-point Celtics lead here in the 3rd quarter. Disaster of an open to the second half. MVP chants for Tatum. – 5:12 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperJaylen Brown is getting treated for a bloody nose. – 5:12 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCHThink Goran Dragic needs to play more… – 5:11 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbCeltics defense looks a lot better when they decided to stop fouling. – 5:11 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothersMarcus Smart is as high end as role players get. Elite defensively, and solid offensively, with enough talent to go on the occasional heater. AK – 5:11 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThe Nets goal might be to let Smart shoot but that’s a very lazy closeout by Kyrie on a corner three. Didn’t even get a hand up. – 5:11 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachMarcus Smart has more 3-pointers than Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined, if you were curious. – 5:11 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAFour fouls on Bruce Brown. – 5:11 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBABig halftime adjustment by Ime Udoka to have the bigs front Durant off the ball with the defender’s hands up behind them to disrupt his path toward the ball and try to wear him down a bit. Most of the first half had Tatum just hugging up on Durant. – 5:10 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingJust a monster third quarter so far from Marcus Smart. – 5:10 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbGame-high 18 points for Marcus Smart. Just a monster effort from him this half. – 5:10 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwrightYa probably wanna start guarding Marcus Smart. – 5:10 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedNets just not gonna guard Marcus Smart – 5:10 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerATO for Nets is to have Durant casually glide into an impossible shot for two points. – 5:09 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAJaylen Brown’s isos vs Bruce Brown have looked very good. – 5:09 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAWelcome to the playoffs Jaylen Brown! – 5:09 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshypeMVP award ranking, per our NBA awards poll among media member
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Joel Embiid
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
4. Devin Booker
5. Luka Doncic
6. Jayson Tatum – 5:08 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAYou play great defense for almost a whole clock and KD throws in a runner because he’s KD and he’s incredible. – 5:08 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56The only oddity in Al Horford’s great afternoon (16 points, 6-7, 6 rebounds) – zero assists. – 5:07 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwrightLooks like the Celtics are about to mash on the gas and pull off. – 5:06 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsCOBRA STRIKE 🐍 pic.twitter.com/DjqYKRqziM – 5:05 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBAAl Horford has been absolutely unreal. – 5:05 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbCredit to Jaylen Brown for making the right pass to an open Smart a couple times instead of forcing it in traffic. – 5:05 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA11-2 Boston run to open the second half. – 5:05 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedTimeout, Brooklyn: Two early turnovers and some offensive rebounding for the Celtics has given Boston a 72-63 lead at the 9:09 mark. If the Nets lose today, they will look at these opening minutes of the second half as a reason why. Celtics on an 11-2 run. #NetsWorld #NetsLevel – 5:05 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneThere’s no excuse for no one coming to Kyrie on that inbounds play. – 5:04 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisMarcus Smart with some huge plays in an 11-2 start to the 3rd quarter. Boston now out to its biggest lead – 5:04 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatzMarcus Smart never breaks character – 5:04 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe11-2 #Celtics run to begin the 3Q. Timeout #Nets – 5:04 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperCeltics with an 11-2 start to the second half — Marcus Smart doing Marcus Smart things. – 5:04 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellReally bad mental error by the Nets — they just gave away two points. Kyrie went to inbound the ball and the rest of his teammates were already down the floor. By the time they noticed and a couple guys came back, Smart stole the ball and the Celtics got an easy bucket. – 5:04 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb11-2 Celtics run to open the half and Garden has erupted. – 5:03 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakelyOK, Marcus Smart! We see you! – 5:03 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedAwful start to the second half for the Nets. – 5:03 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThe focus is on Kevin Durant being 3-for-12, but Jaylen Brown is just 3-for-10.
Whoever gets going first may make the difference today. – 5:02 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIIII forgot to put this on record: Celtics vs. Suns Finals. – 5:01 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBABoth teams go to their regular starting groups, despite Theis and Drummond being in foul trouble. – 5:00 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbGame-high 16 points for Al Horford. C’s probably going to need him for 40 minutes in this one. – 5:00 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAHalftime foul watch:
Boston
Theis – 3
Brooklyn
Drummond – 4
There are 10 combined players with two fouls.
30 total fouls called in the first half. 15 on each team. – 4:59 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoopIn that the intensity figures to increase in the second half, so, too, could the fouls. And if that’s the case, which Nets and Celtics who’ve yet to play will have to make an impact? (I’ll take halftime hypotheticals for $1200, Mayim.) – 4:58 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAStephen A: Who in the hell expected Kevin Durant to shoot 2-of-10 in the first half? He has more turnovers than points!
ESPN graphic: Durant – 7 points, 4 turnovers – 4:54 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCHBiggest takeaway: Nets are tied at 61 despite KD shooting 2-of-10 and committing 4 turnovers. – 4:54 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarlyFelt like Durant realized at some point he wasn’t going to get the whistles he’s used to getting with this crew and settled for the first look rather than taking an extra bounce to get to his spot. Really surprised Nets not down more with that half from KD. Could bode well. – 4:50 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsKAI dropped a DIME 👀 pic.twitter.com/YgBa0Dr0GH – 4:49 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics need to be willing to take the good shots instead of always trying to find the perfect shot. They passed up a few good looks and overpassed.
Perfect is the enemy of good. – 4:48 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisThe #Nets had a 7-0 run that got sparked when White passed up a wide-open layup to kick out for a 3 that the #Celtics missed. I’m not anti-analytics or the old man yelling at a cloud, but just take the layup. – 4:47 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsEven at the break pic.twitter.com/MH4BQVD4oc – 4:47 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwillThat pass from Kyrie looked like a shortstop flipping it to first with backspin – 4:47 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperThe refs just called a blocking foul on a dog chasing frisbees at halftime here in Boston. – 4:47 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedHALFTIME: Nets 61, Celtics 61
Nets did a much better job of taking care of the ball, but still have 11 TOs to Boston’s 7
Tatum: 15 PTS, 5/9 FG
Irving: 15 PTS, 3/6 FG
Durant: 7 PTS, 2/10 FG
Horford: 14 PTS, 5/6 FG
Curry, Drummond, Dragic: 28 PTS
KD will have his moment. – 4:46 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics-Nets tied 61-61 at half
Tatum – 15 points, 7 assists
Horford – 14 points
Brown – 8 points
Celtics – 50% FGs
Celtics – 6-17 threes
Celtics – 7 turnovers
Irving – 15 points
Dragic – 11 points
Curry – 9 points
Nets – 54.1% FGs
Nets – 5-11 threes
Nets – 12 turnovers – 4:46 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferNets and Celtics tied at 61 at halftime. Only 30 combined fouls. KD just 2-for-10. Dragic has been the hero off the bench. Kyrie got going in the second quarter. – 4:46 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets🐉🐉 pic.twitter.com/YWQ7lgUrjr – 4:45 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsTied up at the half pic.twitter.com/w4hh42x1RF – 4:45 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBANets and Celtics showcased a clunky, physical, defensive battle and it somehow heads to the half tied at 61. Already 19 turnovers and 30 fouls between the two teams. – 4:45 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis#Net and #Celtics tied at the half. Kyrie Irving (15) and Goran Dragic (11) lead the way for Brooklyn, while KD has just seven on 2-of-10 shooting. Boston’s Jayson Tatum (15 points, 7 assists) has gotten the better of their matchup. – 4:45 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingEntering the playoffs, Goran Dragic had scored in double figures just twice after joining Brooklyn this season. Went off for 11 big ones in the first half. – 4:45 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Celtics and #Nets tied at 61 at half. Tatum 14, Horford 14, Brown 8; Irving 15, Dragic 11, Curry 9, Drummond 8 (4 fouls), Durant 7. – 4:45 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneHALF: Nets 61, Celtics 61
Kyrie Irving (15 PTS), Goran Dragić (11 PTS), Seth Curry (9 PTS) & the Nets aren’t getting up enough shots. They have shot the ball 37 times compared to Boston’s 46. The Celtics are also dominating in the paint 32-16. – 4:44 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperIt’s halftime and it’s 61-61 — with Durant shooting 2-for-10 with four turnovers. Dragic with a nice contribution off the bench – 4-for-5, 11 points in 12 minutes. – 4:44 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellNets have to feel pretty good at halftime — they’re tied at 61 — and that’s with KD going just 2-for-10 from the field and turning the ball over four times. If he gets going and the defense holds late, they’re going to be in good shape down the stretch. – 4:44 PM
Danny Leroux @DannyLerouxThat Kyrie pass! Incredible velocity. – 4:43 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThat pass by Kyrie was ridiculous. – 4:43 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferGoran Dragic with 11 points in 12 minutes on 5-for-6 shooting. No turnovers in a game full of them. Steve Nash will sign himself up for that plenty. – 4:43 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisDaniel Theis is pissed off at the no-call on Durant’s contest of Tatum’s 3… he thinks that’s the same call that got him his 3rd foul – 4:43 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeGoran Dragic has always put it on the #Celtics. #Nets – 4:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBARare, but the Celtics blew that switch big time. – 4:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBADragic is one of the long-time Celtics-killers. And it goes to another level in the playoffs. – 4:41 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisTatum is loving the Claxton switch … he’s gotten a couple of layups out of that. Running it with Horford keeps Durant occupied enough that he’s not helping at the rim – 4:41 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBATatum racking up seven assists to loosen up the defense makes him so much tougher when he gets his shot going. – 4:40 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsHOW!? pic.twitter.com/Mnbw45TOvM – 4:38 PM
Dan Favale @danfavalejayson tatum is transcendent – 4:38 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThat Smart rim protection on the Durant drive should go on his DPOY highlight reel when he wins it. – 4:37 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellKD does not look comfortable in the first half here. He’s just 2-for-9 from the field and already has 4 turnovers in 17 minutes. Celtics throwing bodies at him, as usual, but he looks a little flustered. Going to have to make some adjustments at halftime to get him more space. – 4:37 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerMarcus Smart rim protection against Kevin Durant holy crap, perfect verticality and altered the shot. – 4:36 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedTimeout, Brooklyn: The Celtics have taken a 53-49 lead here with 2:51 to go in the 2nd quarter. The Nets have gotten decent first halves from almost all their rotation players — except Kevin Durant. Durant is 2-9 from the field for 7 points and has 4 TOs to 1 AST. – 4:36 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 bucket @Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/1Yx4rGj98N – 4:36 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperA jumper and a three by Tatum and a fast break bucket by Jaylen Brown for a 53-49 lead and it is really loud here. – 4:36 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeerStyles make fights – and this Nets-Celtics series has the makings of a really, really good/entertaining fight – 4:36 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe9-2 #Celtics run as they are defending without fouling after putting the #Nets in the bonus early in 2Q. – 4:36 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_What a job by Smart to help on the KD drive. Point guard rim protection. – 4:36 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwrightCeltics fast break points 19, Nets 4. – 4:35 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerTatum has been the best player on the court. – 4:35 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferFour fouls on Andre Drummond. Looks like Nash is sticking to Claxton. Had wondered if we’d see Blake Griffin or LaMarcus Aldridge if one of the bigs got into foul trouble. Apparently not. – 4:35 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacobOmg Tatum – 4:35 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisIt’s great to get into the paint and drive on Claxton but then the Celtics need to either get him biting on fakes or dumping the ball off to his man because he’s selling out to help – 4:35 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyAll this fouling probably hurting the Celtics a little more. Nets haven’t had anywhere near their A game but with no flow it’s impossible to put a few stops together and build any kind of lead. – 4:34 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoriaThe Nets have one legit big man in Andre Drummond and he’s already got 4 fouls – 4:34 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Andre Drummond just got his fourth foul, which brings in Claxton, the player who gives Celtics a tougher time, anyway. – 4:33 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBABetween Smart and White, the Celtics are intolerable floppers. – 4:33 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAFour fouls on Drummond.
I’m not sure that really hurts the Nets. Claxton is the better guy for this series. – 4:33 PM
Sean Highkin @highkinGames between New York and Boston teams taking forever isn’t just for baseball anymore. – 4:33 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingAndre Drummond with four first-half fouls. – 4:33 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisI think it’s hilarious that Brooklyn got Derrick White switched onto Drummond that whole possession and they didn’t even glance at it the whole time – 4:33 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisAndre Drummond just picked up his 4th foul in 12 minutes. #Nets – 4:33 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellDrummond just picked up his fourth foul with 4:48 left in the 2nd. A lot of Nic Claxton the rest of the way here. – 4:33 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAMan…you can’t leave this many points off the board against the Nets. Celtics are 7-for-12 at the free throw line. – 4:33 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeFour fouls on Andre Drummond. #Celtics #Nets – 4:32 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb4 fouls on Drummond. – 4:32 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBASix of the eight Celtics who have played have at least two fouls. That’s something to watch. – 4:32 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedKD just hit a shot over both Marcus Smart and Al Horford. Durant is now 2-of-8 from the field for 7 points. That shot might get him going. – 4:31 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachCeltics caught a break in foul city there. Horford fouled KD but it went to Smart. Theis already has 3 and would’ve been Horford’s third. – 4:31 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsbornBond with aunt sparked Derrick White’s work with Special Olympics expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… – 4:30 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachTatum’s already at 7 assists midway through the second quarter. Had more than 7 in just 5 total games this year. – 4:30 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedBruce Brown is now 1-of-1 from 3 in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. – 4:29 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Tatum has more assists (seven) than shot attempts (four). – 4:29 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannixSeven assists now for Tatum. Passing the ball brilliantly. – 4:29 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsbornJerry & Virginia McManus, Derrick White’s grandparents, told me last week DWhite donated $5,000 to their annual fundraiser for @SpecialOlympics Colorado. Over the past 5 years, he has given $25K to the nonprofit. Here’s DWhite talking to Special Olympians at the AT&T Center. pic.twitter.com/3nKnZ3bVvG – 4:28 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperI didn’t anticipate it in my Nets-Celtics previews but the officials are about to turn this into the Luke Kornet series. – 4:27 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedNets holding a 41-40 lead at the 6:41 mark of the 2nd quarter. Timeout, Celtics. Kyrie Irving has come alive but Kevin Durant is just 1-7 for 4 points. 28 so far from players not named KD or Kyrie. Same for BOS: 40 from players not named Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. Horford: 12 – 4:27 PM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBAI love the way Tatum is managing the game. Shifting between handler and screener, using his presence to tilt the floor properly. And yet Kyrie can generate six points on pull up 3s vs your big and it erases a lot of what you do – 4:26 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAJaylen Brown needs to drive that to score. – 4:25 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsHe’s heating up… 🔥 pic.twitter.com/68z6PgAkTa – 4:24 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBAUnsure what exactly the Celtics are trying to do defensively against Kyrie this quarter but it is not working! – 4:24 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingDaniel Theis picks up his third. Kyrie to the line for three. He hits them all – and the Celtics lose the non-Durant minutes at the beginning of the second quarter. – 4:23 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbKyrie is on his flop game early. – 4:22 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeThird foul on Theis, on a Kyrie 3pt attempt. #Celtics #Nets – 4:21 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAKyrie hits a 3 on Theis drop coverage, so they change up to switch, and Kyrie sets up an open missed 3 on Curry. Then Kyrie hits another 3 on Theis off a transition screen. – 4:21 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferNic Claxton is like Tonks from Harry Potter. Always switching up the hairstyle. Got to respect it. – 4:21 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedKyrie Irving’s heating up in the 2nd quarter with a pair of back-to-back pull up 3s. Irving’s up to 10 points. – 4:21 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsKD has passed Jerry West for eighth place on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring list 📈 pic.twitter.com/C5MVEGt6CS – 4:20 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisNo Durant on the floor has been a disaster for Brooklyn … C’s need to capitalize on this stretch – 4:18 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAThe game’s high scorers in the first quarter were Al Horford, Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and Andre Drummond, just as expected. – 4:17 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperKyrie and KD combine to shoot 1-for-8 from the field and turn it over 5 times and the Nets are down just 1 after the first quarter. – 4:16 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics lead 29-28 after one
Horford – 10 points
Grant – 7 points
Tatum – 4 points, 4 assists
Celtics – 40.9% FGs
Celtics – 4-9 threes
Celtics – 4 TOs
Curry – 9 points
Drummond – 6 points
Durant – 4 points
Irving – 4 points
Nets – 50% FGs
Nets – 1-4 threes
Nets – 7 TOs – 4:16 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferCeltics lead the Nets 29-28 at the end of the first quarter. Kyrie and KD start a combined 1-for-8. Boston’s defense is legit, but BK appears to have adjusted as time went on. – 4:15 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsClose after one pic.twitter.com/Jn6y9t6ar9 – 4:15 PM
Vince Cellini @Vince_CelliniJust saw Seth Curry set an illegal screen turning his shoulder into a defender and getting a call to shoot free throws. Like a catch in the NFL I’m not sure what’s what in NBA anymore. #notravel #nocarry – 4:15 PM
Boston Celtics @celtics1⃣-point game at the end of 1⃣ pic.twitter.com/YCsfoPH2p7 – 4:15 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Celtics lead Nets 29-28 after 1Q. Horford 10, GWilliams 7, Tatum 4; Curry 9, Drummond 6, Durant 4, Irving 4.
18 total fouls. 22 total FTs. – 4:15 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedEND OF Q1: CELTICS 29, NETS 28
Seth Curry leads all Nets with 9, and Al Horford leads all Celtics with 10.
Tatum: 0-1 FG, 4 PTS
Durant: 1-6 FG, 4 PTS
Irving: 0-2 FG, 4 PTS
Jaylen: 1-5 FG, 2 PTS – 4:14 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisThe first quarter lasted about 40 minutes… 9 fouls called on each team and 22 free throws taken. Horford leads all scorers with 10 points. Curry has 9 for BK so there’s a lot still to shake out here – 4:14 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisIf you would’ve told me the #Nets would have seven turnovers and get 1-of-6 shooting from KD after one, I’d think they were in a big hole. They trail just 29-28 after holding the #Celtics to .409 from the floor. – 4:14 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachIn addition to all the fouls, Tatum, Jaylen, Kyrie and KD were a combined 2 for 14 in that first quarter. – 4:13 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneEnd of 1st QTR: Nets 28, Celtics 29
Seth Curry (9 PTS), Andre Drummond (6 PTS), Kevin Durant (4 PTS) & the Nets have already turned over the ball 7 times. Durant has 3 of them. Brooklyn is also shooting it at only 25% from three so far. – 4:13 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAThe entire Celtics big man rotation has two fouls each in the first quarter. Good defense so far, but that’s going to be hard to hold up if they lose their physicality edge. Celtics barely holding on to a 29-28 lead through one, even with 7 Nets turnovers. – 4:13 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannixTwo fouls apiece on Horford, Theis and Grant Williams. This is where the Celtics are vulnerable — in Williams absence, not much depth on that front line. – 4:13 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperThe eagerly-anticipated first-round matchup of Boston and Brooklyn now starring – 18 first-quarter fouls. – 4:12 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBATwo fouls on Horford, Theis and Grant now. – 4:12 PM
Chris Grenham @chrisgrenhamAl Horford flinch, playoff edition: pic.twitter.com/41S32XRNp8 – 4:12 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingNow Grant Williams also has two fouls. Everyone the Celtics were planning to play in their frontcourt has already picked up two before the end of the first. – 4:12 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThree missed free throws for the Celtics in the first quarter. That’s not great. – 4:12 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAWith Claxton on Tatum, would like to see Celtics attack the likes of Dragic in pick and roll and try to get into a 4 on 3 game with no rim protector for Brooklyn. – 4:11 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAThat’s technically a foul on Horford, but Claxton wasn’t getting the rebound anyway. When there have already been 15 fouls called, maybe let that one go? – 4:10 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrellOh the Horford head-fake on the free throw!! – 4:10 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAHorford free throw flinch! – 4:10 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbFirst quarter foul trouble
Theis 2, Horford 2, Brown 2, Curry 2. – 4:10 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingAl Horford and Daniel Theis both have two fouls before the end of the first quarter. Theis still coming back in here. With the frontcourt thin due to Robert Williams’ injury, could be an issue. – 4:10 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe16 fouls so far in the 1Q. #Celtics #Nets – 4:10 PM
Abby Chin @tvabbyRob Williams on the #Celtics bench in sweats.
Ime Udoka said today, they are expecting to play this series without him, but he is progressing. – 4:10 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerCeltics scored on all those early run-outs, but low-key their halfcourt offense has kinda been ass. – 4:09 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwillLove Tatum making that extra pass. Really good patience – 4:09 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAHorford gave KD a nice little forearm to prevent him from helping on the Williams dunk – 4:09 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsDefense
Offense pic.twitter.com/Dql5XI13JO – 4:08 PM
Gary Tanguay @Gary_TanguayCelts have outplayed the Nets and are down 2. – 4:08 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedKessler Edwards just forced that turnover on Tatum – 4:08 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpearsWith his first four points of the afternoon, Nets say Kevin Durant (4,458 points) has moved past Jerry West (4,457 points) into eighth place on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring list.
Next up: Karl Malone (4,761 points). – 4:07 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAI like stealing some mins with Pritchard while Kyrie is out of the game – 4:07 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBATheis getting in foul trouble threw it off a bit, but Udoka has stuck with the regular season rotation so far.
Tatum and a big out early. Then Tatum will come back in for Brown. Theis would usually come back in for Horford around this point.
Smart usually goes whole of Q1. – 4:06 PM
Thon Maker @ThonMaker14If this is the score and Nets not playing well besides Curry, that means Boston is in trouble.
#Playoffs #NetsWorld #Netsin6 – 4:05 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBAThe Nets are tied with the Celtics despite 7 turnovers and 7 fouls but also Jayson Tatum is 0-for-1 from the field so life is all about perspective – 4:05 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe#Celtics have seven more shot attempts than the #Nets and they’ve missed those seven. – 4:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThe Celtics should be up, and probably by a lot, considering how the Nets are turning it over. But Boston is shooting like crap.
7-for-19 to open this one. – 4:03 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsAl-ley oop 💥 pic.twitter.com/adVpOUP0HJ – 4:03 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedThe Nets have not played a particularly good opening 9 minutes, but we have a tie game in Boston, 21-21. The Nets have turned the ball over 7 times so far, Kevin Durant is 1-of-4 and Kyrie Irving is 0-2 with 4 points at the foul line.
Yet we’re tied. – 4:03 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsStepback S3TH pic.twitter.com/dfJUEv3U90 – 4:02 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisBrooklyn has played a pretty bad quarter of basketball so far, but the Celtics are shooting 7-19 from the field and the game is tied. The game will settle down for Brooklyn. Missed opportunity here for Boston – 4:02 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachHorford has truly carried the Celtics this quarter. And this is as fired up as I’ve seen him in a long time. – 4:02 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingCan look at this start any way you want. The Celtics could be up 10 based on how many turnovers they’ve forced already. Instead it’s a tie game with 2:45 left in the first. – 4:02 PM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3Curry carrying KD again – 4:01 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Celtics have had great success digging in on Durant, who has three turnovers, all via strips. – 4:01 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbNets not named Kyrie or Kevin are 5-of-5 from the field so far. – 4:01 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedKevin Durant (3) and Kyrie Irving (2) have 5 of the Nets’ 7 turnovers in the first quarter. Bruce Brown has the other 2. – 4:00 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperAl Horford loose ball foul knocks Kyrie over in the lane and the sound you hear is the sculptors starting work on the statue of Horford. – 4:00 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeDon’t think Udoka wants Grant pulling up for transition threes. #Celtics #Nets – 4:00 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpeAmazing teams still don’t fake KD inside. His timing is too good otherwise. – 3:59 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis#Nets have gone through long sloppy turnover-prone stretches. Tonight is one. Seven in the first 6:57. Brooklyn trails the #Celtics 21-17 after that Seth Curry 3. – 3:59 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbGame-high 8 points for Al Horford. Could play Drummond off the floor if he keeps shooting like this. – 3:59 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedNic Claxton and Patty Mills are the first Nets off the bench in Game 1. – 3:59 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyCeltics are making Kevin Durant look jittery with the ball. That’s how good that defense is. – 3:58 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarlyThis isn’t even close to the way Kevin Durant has been officiated this season. He must be really surprised. – 3:58 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeDurant is barking at officials, feels like he’s been fouled about four times already. #Celtics #Nets – 3:58 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisI don’t want to step into @Dan Greenberg‘s lane here, but if Brooklyn is going to gift you 7 minutes of penalty free throws, you have to make those free throws – 3:58 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsGrant on both ends 😤 pic.twitter.com/FYtuMDH4nE – 3:57 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAIt gets Grant two free throws, but we don’t need the foul called on KD out there. Didn’t impact the play in the slightest. Let them play a little please. – 3:57 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachIn the first 6 minutes the Nets now have 7 fouls and 5 turnovers. Celtics should be up by more than 4. – 3:57 PM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBABoston playing like a team that knows they need to win this series with smothering point of attack defense, especially without Robert Williams. Nets gotta lift the floor and cut backdoor, but hard to do when you have to play non-shooters. – 3:57 PM
Chris Miller @cmillsnbcsRemember when Al Horford played for OKC, or didn’t. – 3:56 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_StilesThunder legend Al Horford – 3:56 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBABoston’s defensive adjustments so far:
– Everyone in the area of KD and Kyrie is sinking off their man to help contest their pull ups
– High pressure on the ball handler in transition to draw the screens above the arc
– JT going for steals aggressively
– Switching up on Kyrie – 3:55 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsStick with it 🪣 pic.twitter.com/kup1Fu9TAl – 3:55 PM
Abby Chin @tvabbyAl Horford is bouncy today!! – 3:55 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeJayson Tatum on-ball defense. Impressive. #Celtics #Nets – 3:55 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellA lot of fouls early in Boston — both of these teams are playing tight. Brown and Curry each have two already. Celtics doing a solid job on KD to start. He’s seeing bodies everywhere he goes. Nets have four turnovers and haven’t found any rhythm yet. – 3:52 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP10 fouls (6 on Brooklyn) and 6 turnovers in the first 5 1/2 minutes.
You can talk all week about having your emotions under control…then the bell rings.
11-10, Boston – 3:52 PM
Thon Maker @ThonMaker14Boston In the bonus with 8:45 to go is wild!!! – 3:52 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Smart is trying to isolate on Kyrie. – 3:52 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedGreat opening minutes to what’s expected to be a great series. Celtics and Nets are going back and forth. It feels like the Celtics have momentum, but it’s only an 11-10 game at the 6:25 mark. Nets have been a little sloppy with the ball, but that’s expected against Boston. – 3:51 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsBeautiful 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/OsZkN9z3FF – 3:51 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsNow it’s just time to go out there and compete. pic.twitter.com/qFcY945fj2 – 3:51 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBANets in the bonus with 7:15 to play in Q1. Might be a lot of free throws coming in this one. – 3:50 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisCeltics now fouling a bunch too. Theis sitting with 2. C’s now on their 4th team foul as well. This could turn into a free throw shooting contest in a hurry – 3:50 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollingerwhispers …
not sure two quick fouls on Theis is such a bad thing for Boston. – 3:50 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAThis has been an issue for the Celtics. In the bonus and nothing but jumpers. They need to get downhill and to the rim. – 3:49 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeBoth teams in the bonus for the final 7:15 of 1Q. #Celtics #Nets – 3:49 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBATwo early fouls on Daniel Theis. Grant Williams in for Boston. – 3:48 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeAnd Theis picks up his second foul 4:08 into the game. Seven fouls called total already. #Celtics #Nets – 3:48 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpeWhen Tyrese Maxey was learning to read in pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade, Al Horford was winning 3 SEC and 2 NCAA titles. Incredible they are in the same tournament now. – 3:48 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis#Nets have four turnovers in the first 3:45. – 3:47 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsDrive & dish pic.twitter.com/xCfV8AJHpm – 3:47 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisTheis physicality is showing through early. #Nets #Celtics – 3:47 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisFourth team foul on Brooklyn, 2nd on Curry. Boston will shoot free throws on every foul moving forward with 8:45 left in the 1st quarter. Brown has 2 now too… key role players could be sitting soon for Brooklyn – 3:47 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachFive fouls on the Nets in the first 3:15.
Curry and Brown two apiece. – 3:46 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Two quick fouls on Bruce Brown. – 3:46 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics are in the bonus with over 9 minutes to play in Q1. – 3:46 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsMarcus with the DIME pic.twitter.com/8FyjDtLkI7 – 3:46 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbCeltics already have Nets in the penalty with nine minutes left. – 3:46 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedI’ve said it on every appearance I’ve made leading up to this game. Seth Curry is the 3rd most important player for the Nets this series. And now he’s got 2 fouls at the 9:01 mark of the first quarter. – 3:46 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBABoston clearly wants to push the ball. Smart is flying up the court off these inbounds. – 3:45 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeTwo early buckets from Seth Curry, who could get his share of good looks in this series. #Nets #Celtics – 3:45 PM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicksA new Nike KD 15 colorway for the postseason! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/sURMjzPFWG – 3:45 PM
Chris Grenham @chrisgrenhamGreat pass from Marcus Smart here: pic.twitter.com/tpFWmPY8AE – 3:45 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrangeJayson Tatum got on that Giannis diet. Dude is deezed. – 3:44 PM
John Karalis @John_KaralisNBA teams want layups, free throws, and 3-pointers… Boston has 1 of each so far getting good looks in the early minutes – 3:44 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwillAndre Drummond has had some big games against the C’s in his career. Small subplot in a series full of some great storylines – 3:44 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBAHuge to see Seth Curry put his foot in the ground to get separation for a pullup, and then a drive. He looked very limited on Tuesday. – 3:44 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbAl Horford already flexing for the Garden crowd to get them fired up. – 3:44 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingAl Horford running a little pick and roll there? One way to pick on Andre Drummond, I guess. – 3:43 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperTrue to his word, Ime Udoka is sticking with what the Celtics do well early — switching everything. – 3:43 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeckI’m one of like 10 people left on earth annoyed that the Celtics are wearing black jerseys as the home team with the Nets wearing white, why must this happen – 3:42 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperOther than catching the opening tip Kyrie doesn’t touch the ball on first Nets possession – partly due to Marcus Smart defense and thankfully for my hearing since they are loud when he touches it. – 3:42 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsGame on. #NetsLevel pic.twitter.com/JBJw3yAQnQ – 3:41 PM
Tom Lorenzo @TomLorenzoNets in 6. There, I said it. – 3:41 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedCeltics fans greet Kyrie Irving the best way they know how pic.twitter.com/08SY70AWjB – 3:39 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoneyWent Celtics in 7 with the pick. They are really good, have the home-court advantage and deserve to be considered a favorite, but not by much with the way the Nets have looked lately. – 3:38 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_Kyrie intro. pic.twitter.com/EZAEKKBZGs – 3:38 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCHLoud boos for the Nets here pic.twitter.com/r6KKMj6RyB – 3:37 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis#Nets pregame intros. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/SHRHs8UMI8 – 3:37 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Lusty boos for “Dorchester’s” Bruce Brown, but the volume rises for Kyrie Irving. – 3:37 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbBased on Kyrie’s pregame reception, I understandably don’t think Celtics fans have moved on like he wanted. – 3:37 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeSome hearty boos as Bruce Brown, from Dorchester, is announced but they pale in comparison to the boos for Kyrie Irving. #Celtics #Nets – 3:36 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedMoments away from tipoff at TD Garden, where No. 2 Celtics and No. 7 Nets are about to start Game 1 of the first round. This series is a toss-up. Nets have KD & Kyrie. Celtics have the league’s best defense, a Coach of the Year candidate, & a star in Tatum. Updates to come. – 3:35 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsGo time. pic.twitter.com/hkVyiPweWg – 3:34 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBAmy Hot Take is that Kyrie has given Celtics fans plenty of reason to dislike him and Celtics fans have given him plenty of reasons to dislike them and maybe the best thing for both sides is to agree to deeply dislike each other because that happens a lot in sports – 3:34 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBAIt’s the Battle of The Starting Lineup!
@Brian Scalabrine 🆚 @Frank Isola
Hear Game 1 of the Nets-Celtics game NOW on NBA Radio! https://t.co/AYipQpw9t4
What kind of bet should they put on the line? pic.twitter.com/lBYPF2nWuR – 3:33 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsReady. Set. PLAYOFFS
pic.twitter.com/pEmNYDV0FQ – 3:32 PM
Thon Maker @ThonMaker14Nets in 6!
#NetsWorld #Playoffs – 3:31 PM
StatMuse @statmuseThe Heat are 7-1 since they got
’d by Andre Drummond. pic.twitter.com/zBYPkU0uzP – 3:31 PM
Sarah Kustok @sarahkustokWe got you for full postgame coverage of Game 1 between the @Brooklyn Nets v @Boston Celtics on @YESNetwork & the YES App.. Join us! pic.twitter.com/OfdljWCP1H – 3:22 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperWarm welcome for Kyrie. pic.twitter.com/P56YQaKscB – 3:21 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets🗣 Brooklyn in the building pic.twitter.com/AwIgJaKPDW – 3:20 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisKyrie Irving booed as he walks in the proximity of the #Celtics Lucky logo in pregame warmups. #nets pic.twitter.com/d4NRBG0SOL – 3:20 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaulaMiami Heat’s #NBAPlayoffs kicks for Game 1:
• PJ Tucker – AJ 11 IE
• Tyler Herro – Nike GT Cut
• Duncan Robinson – Nike KD 14
• Coach Spo – AJ 3 “Cyber Monday” pic.twitter.com/AsJpPXguIC – 3:19 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedGoing back on IG Live for pregame from Boston
IG: Krisplashed – 3:17 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Celtics game ops puts a picture of Bruce Brown up on the Jumbotron, with his quote about the Celtics being vulnerable in the paint without Rob Williams layered over it. Boos erupt. Red meat being thrown out there early. – 3:16 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBPJumbotron reminding fans of the Bruce Brown comments.
Spoiler alert…they did not meet reminding. pic.twitter.com/5RsFeSGSfP – 3:16 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperJust showed the Bruce Brown quote on the scoreboard here at TD Garden — and the reaction wasn’t good. Folks, remember, he’s from here. Be kind. – 3:14 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedThey just showed Bruce Brown’s quote about the Celtics not having Robert Williams and attacking Al Horford and Daniel Theis on the jumbotron here at TD Garden. Celtics fans booed. – 3:14 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingThe Celtics just put Bruce Brown’s comments on the Jumbotron. The crowd booed. – 3:14 PM
Boston Celtics @celtics#BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/wW3gtK4Kqp – 3:11 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsThe wait is almost over… pic.twitter.com/VeIUzoDj36 – 3:11 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBAPoll: Who wins the Nets-Celtics series? – 3:10 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperTD Garden still filling up. Didn’t check to see what time bars opened around here and if fans will be in full form for Kyrie intro here. – 3:06 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsShoutout @ArbellaIns for hooking up every seat with these shirts 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AUfVs35qpi – 3:05 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBPNets at Celtics– TD Garden – April 17, 2022 – Game 1 Starters
Boston – Smart, Brown, Tatum, Horford, Theis
Brooklyn – Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Bruce Brown, Kevin Durant, Andre Drummond
OUT: Boston: R. Williams Brooklyn: Simmons, Harris pic.twitter.com/JRkGkJnxw9 – 3:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBACeltics starters this afternoon:
Daniel Theis
Al Horford
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Marcus Smart
Nets starters:
Andre Drummond
Bruce Brown
Kevin Durant
Seth Curry
Kyrie Irving – 3:02 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferNets starters for Game 1 in Boston: Irving, Curry, Durant, Brown and Drummond – 3:01 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowneThe Nets’ Starters vs. the Celtics:
👴🏾Kyrie Irving
💦Seth Curry
🔒Bruce Brown
💲Kevin Durant
🦍Andre Drummond – 3:01 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets🔜 #NetsLevel pic.twitter.com/Slv0CtJtsG – 3:00 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__SchifferGreetings from home. I made it the whole regular season without getting sick, so of course I fall ill for the start of the playoffs. @Jared Weiss is covering for me in Boston. Follow him. I expect to be back for Game 3. Will tweet a few thoughts throughout the game. – 3:00 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBPThe Nets have won all three playoff series with the Celtics, winning 12 of the 15 games.
Among teams that have met 15+ times, that .800 win percentage is the highest any team holds over another in NBA Playoff history.
(#2 on that list is Boston vs. Chicago..the road not taken.) – 2:52 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedBen Simmons has some pep in his step during pregame workouts today. #NetsLevel #Netsworld pic.twitter.com/kgjiKnd7yH – 2:49 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedellBen Simmons has been getting some dribbling exercises in here pregame for the last 20 minutes or so. These last few pregames it feels like he’s been coming out early to try and get a feel for what it’s like to be on an NBA floor again. – 2:49 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Ben Simmons is doing some mid-court dribbling. – 2:46 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Kevin Durant once again getting heckled by some – certainly not all – end zone fans during his pregame warmup. – 2:43 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe##Celtics ready to counter words with actions on the court in opening series against Nets bostonglobe.com/2022/04/16/spo… via @BostonGlobe – 2:37 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsCountdown to tip-off
pic.twitter.com/nCFLwuokVc – 2:35 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsReady for this moment. pic.twitter.com/Pu8WfGh1rl – 2:34 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBANo work tomorrow in Boston due to the holiday. I’m pretty sure that crowd is going to be really ready to go at tip-off. – 2:32 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisJumped on with @DHenryTV from @SNYtv to talk #Nets–#Celtics, if Ben Simmons can help when he returns … youtu.be/41OwK_3rasg via @YouTube – 2:32 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopperSteve Nash on Kyrie Irving and the Boston crowd: “Kyrie’s been here a number of times. He’s been here proverbially in a playoff sense and hostile environments dozens of times. It’s not that I really think that has a huge effect on Kyrie.” – 2:32 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedIme Udoka: “It all comes back to Durant and Irving, so some things I saw last year and throughout the year that obviously I know about those guys. We’ll see what we can do with that, but they’re high-level scorers and they’re gonna kinda get what they get.” – 2:32 PM
NBA Math @NBA_MathPrep for the start of Celtics vs. Nets with @HardwoodKnocks’ deep dive into the series!
3:15 mark🎧 https://t.co/NvWruzhHIc
🍎 https://t.co/PExTn19puq
https://t.co/DOC3Es5RIz📺 https://t.co/MJd8Npn46z
SUBSCRIBE
https://t.co/9QmXcaNQmx pic.twitter.com/KePWSXoUqA – 2:27 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsBelieve in Boston pic.twitter.com/cpBjvv9ej7 – 2:24 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56Ime Udoka said Rob Williams is, “progressing nicely. But as I’ve said all along we’re preparing to play this series without him, understanding that if we’re surprised by something, great, but we feel like we have enough with what we have now.” – 2:18 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly“I don’t worry about Kyrie…. Kyrie’s been here a number of times, he’s been here … dozens of times. It’s not something that I really think has a huge effect on Kyrie.”
-Steve Nash asked about hostile environments #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/V5QP5YNvif – 2:14 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarlySteve Nash was asked about Boston’s switch-everything defense and how the Nets can combat that: pic.twitter.com/dhwYJqWty1 – 2:11 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisAsked Steve Nash about Kyrie Irving and the #Celtics fans: “I don’t worry about Kyrie. Kyrie’s been here a number of times. He’s been here in a playoff sense and hostile environments dozens of times. It’s not something that I really think has a huge effect on Kyrie.” #Nets #NBA – 2:10 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne“You don’t go into the games worrying about the fans — I’m not worried about Kyrie (Irving) … He’s been here.”
⁃Steve Nash on Celtics fans impacting his play. – 2:04 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarlySteve Nash says you don’t go into a game worrying about fans. He’s not worried about Kyrie Irving at all facing a hostile former fanbase. – 2:04 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne“He’ll do a little bit of everything.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kevin Durant. – 2:03 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarlySteve Nash acknowledges the Celtics switch everything defense can take teams out of their own system. – 2:03 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScottoCeltics coach Ime Udoka on Robert Williams: “He’s progressing nicely, doing a little bit more every day and on-court work now. But we’re preparing to play a series without him. If we’re surprised by something, great. I feel we have enough with what we have now. He’s a huge piece” pic.twitter.com/devM2SLKVc – 2:01 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineCeltics coach Ime Udoka continues to say that Boston is preparing to play its entire first-round series against Brooklyn without Robert Williams.
Moe NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com – 1:51 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobbIme Udoka on Rob Williams: “He’s progressing nicely, we’re preparing to play series without him still.” – 1:51 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_LewisIme Udoka on Robert Williams: “He’s progressing nicely, a little bit more every day. But as I’ve said all along is we’re preparing to play a series without him.” #Nets #Celtics – 1:50 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAIme Udoka confirms that Daniel Theis will start this afternoon alongside Al Horford, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. – 1:50 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingThe Celtics will start Daniel Theis next to Al Horford as they did to end the regular season. – 1:50 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakelyIme Udoka reiterates the #Celtics are planning to play this series without Robert Williams. – 1:50 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedIme Udoka on starting center Robert Williams (knee): “He’s progressing nicely. Doing a little bit more every day. Oh court work now, but we’re preparing to play a series without him.” – 1:50 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAIme Udoka reiterates that Rob Williams is progressing as he has the last few days, but they are still preparing for the series without him and he is still in the 4-6 week timeframe. That timeframe does give him a chance to enter the series late though. – 1:50 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAIme Udoka on Rob Williams: “He’s progressing nicely, coming along. But we’re prepared to play a series without him. If we get a surprise and he’s back early, that would be nice. But we’re prepared to play this series without him.” – 1:50 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP“We are preparing to play this series without him” says Ime Udoka to the 50th question this week about Rob Williams possibly coming back in the next two weeks. – 1:49 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingIme Udoka said Robert Williams is “progressing nicely” and doing a little bit more every day. Said the Celtics are still planning to play this series without him, but if he surprises them and comes back sooner that’s great. – 1:49 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsCoach Udoka says “we have a nice calm about us” heading into Game 1. – 1:48 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAIme Udoka says the Celtics vibes are all business after a week of practice: “We have a nice calm about us.” – 1:47 PM
Jay King @ByJayKingIme Udoka said he is “not that concerned” about rust or nerves. Said the vibe around the team is about the business. Said there’s a nice calm around the Celtics. – 1:47 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsDressed to impress 💧 pic.twitter.com/50iCm6JGsq – 1:43 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoopFor your pre-game reading list…
The Celtics can lose this first-round series. But the Nets can’t beat them.
We explain the difference — and how it will decide who wins.
bit.ly/3O9E9Dv – 1:14 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedGoing on IG live from TD Garden where Kyrie Irving just finished early pregame warmups. Bring your questions, your hot takes, your concerns or your confidence in the outcome of this series.
IG: @Kristian Winfield – 1:14 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAMy guess is that Boston opens possessions like this to start the game:
Smart – Irving
Brown – Durant
Tatum – Curry
Theis – Brown
Horford – Drummond
That will allow them to have Theis play the Rob Williams role as a roamer/helper. But, as always, Boston will switch everything. – 12:56 PM
Kristian Winfield @KrisplashedNets fans are outside TD Garden well ahead of the 330 tipoff – 12:51 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56“I don’t know that I could have seen it come to THIS, like THIS.” Al Horford and the Celtics’ young core, reunited, is getting it right the second time around. bostonherald.com/2022/04/17/041… – 12:49 PM
Patrick Mills @Patty_MillsGAME DAY BALA GAME DAYYY!!!
#NBAPlayoffs #NetsLevel – 12:15 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsLooking for a place close to home to watch today’s game?
Join Team Hype and DJ Jung to activate #NetsLevel together at the Game 1 Watch Party
– 12:05 PM
StatMuse @statmuse#StatMuseSunday
Combined PPG in last 10 games:
56.3 — KD/Kyrie
55.8 — Jayson/Jaylen
Which duo will score more today? And what’s their combined points?
$150 https://t.co/gd8GLxQrlo voucher to the winning guess. pic.twitter.com/ks45SRSVKu – 12:01 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko📅 On this day in 2021, the @Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry made 11 3P in a loss to the Celtics.
Curry became the first player in NBA history to make 10 or more 3P three times in a four-game span.
Two days later, he would become the first player to do so four times in a five-game span. pic.twitter.com/6ccHBIugAW – 12:01 PM
Boston Celtics @celticsheart and soul
pic.twitter.com/YtS86vG0UE – 11:45 AM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobeA look at what Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown face today in their observance of Ramadan #Celtics #Nets bostonglobe.com/2022/04/16/spo… – 11:17 AM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNetsHappy Birthday, @Nic Claxton!! 🥳🎉 pic.twitter.com/0RMcaM7YZe – 10:30 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBAAlso I feel like the Sixers have had 2 players in the past 20 years who would throw that overhead bounce pass in transition: Andre Drummond and James Harden.
Looks a little better when the latter does it. – 10:13 AM
Steve Popper @StevePopperWith the Knicks done, @NewsdaySports has a bunch of Nets versus Celtics stuff today – including predictions from me and @Barbara Barker. newsday.com/sports/basketb… – 10:05 AM
Steve Popper @StevePopperCeltics’ Smart aims to make things tough on Kyrie
Marcus Smart is key to Boston’s top-rated defense front-runner for NBA Defensive Player of the Year. newsday.com/sports/basketb… – 9:59 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis#Nets vs. #Celtics: Breaking down the matchups in #NBA playoff series nypost.com/2022/04/17/nba… via @nypostsports – 9:56 AM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets#HappyEaster to our Hornets fam! 💜 pic.twitter.com/g8rPvNBfP8 – 9:51 AM
