Celtics Deliver Offensive Masterclass in Blowout Victory Over Nets
The Boston Celtics showcased an offensive clinic on Friday night, demolishing the Brooklyn Nets 148-111 at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown led the charge with a stellar all-around performance, scoring 28 points, dishing out nine assists, and grabbing seven rebounds. His powerful one-handed dunk in the game punctuated a dominant showing that has become characteristic of the Celtics' recent form.
Historic Shooting and Bench Production Fuel Celtics' Surge
Boston's offense was nothing short of spectacular, shooting a season-best 66.7 percent from the field. The team also connected on 22 three-pointers, demonstrating their lethal perimeter shooting. Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly with 28 points and 11 rebounds, marking his third double-double since joining the Celtics. Payton Pritchard added 22 points, while the bench provided a massive boost, pouring in 77 points to underscore the team's depth.
The Celtics seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Nets 43-26. During this period, Boston shot an impressive 15-of-19 from the field, distributed 12 assists, and made 5-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc. By the fourth quarter, their lead had ballooned to as many as 41 points, leaving the Nets with no chance of a comeback.
Nets Struggle Amidst Celtics' Defensive Adjustments
Despite shooting 62 percent from the field and 60 percent from three-point range in the first half, the Celtics held only a 66-57 lead at halftime. Brooklyn stayed within striking distance by forcing eight Boston turnovers, converting them into 12 points. However, the Celtics tightened up in the second half, committing just four turnovers and stifling the Nets' offense. Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 18 points, but it wasn't enough to prevent their seventh consecutive loss.
Thunder Triumph in Physical Overtime Battle Against Nuggets
In a separate matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in an overtime thriller marked by intense physical play. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a spectacular return from a nine-game absence due to an abdominal strain, scoring 36 points to lead the Thunder to victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander's Heroics and Testy Altercation Define Game
Gilgeous-Alexander fueled a third-quarter comeback with 14 points in that period alone, helping the Thunder overcome a 59-50 halftime deficit. The game turned testy in the fourth quarter when Nikola Jokic and Lu Dort were involved in an altercation. Dort was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul after a hard hit on Jokic, sparking a midcourt scrum. Despite the tension, Jokic finished with a massive triple-double of 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists, while Jamal Murray led all Denver scorers with 39 points.
After a back-and-forth fourth quarter ended in a 107-107 deadlock, Oklahoma City took control in the extra session. This victory marks the Thunder's third win over Denver this season, continuing the momentum from their seven-game playoff series win over the Nuggets last year.
Other NBA Results from the Night
Elsewhere in the league, the New York Knicks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 127-98, the Detroit Pistons edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-119 in overtime, and the Memphis Grizzlies won 124-105 at Dallas. These results highlight a night of competitive basketball across the NBA, with teams jockeying for position as the season progresses.
The Celtics' win extends their strong post-All-Star break performance, having now won five of their last six games. With such offensive firepower and defensive resilience, Boston is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
