Home Basketball As the Celtics defeat the Nets 124-114, Tatum sets a franchise record

As the Celtics defeat the Nets 124-114, Tatum sets a franchise record

Basketball — 11/05/2023

With 32 points from Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 124-114 in New York on Saturday night to maintain their undefeated record. The Celtics pulled away halfway through the fourth quarter.

For the first time since opening 2009–10 with six straight wins, the Celtics improved to 5-0 despite at times seeming lethargic and failing to lead by more than 14.

In addition to scoring over 30 points for the fourth time this season, Tatum also hit 10,000 points in the second quarter after making a three-point play. Tatum became the youngest player in Celtics history to surpass the 10,000-point mark at the age of 25 years, 246 days.

Tatum grabbed 11 rebounds, made 10 of his 20 shots, and connected on six of Boston’s 15 3-pointers. The Celtics scored 52 points in the paint thanks to the 23 points Jaylen Brown added and the 22 points Kristaps Porzingis scored as he forced his way inside against Brooklyn’s smaller roster.

The Celtics shot 47.8 percent and moved to 11-1 in their last 12 meetings with the Nets, including postseason games, with Jrue Holiday contributing 18 points and 10 assists.

The Nets, who were playing the second night of their first back-to-back, shot 43 percent and lost their three-game winning run. Brooklyn’s 3-point percentage was 32.7 percent (17 of 52).

Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie both contributed 19 points apiece, but Cam Thomas led the Nets with 27 points. Ben Simmons was rested for the first time, and Nic Claxton (ankle) was used in the game by the Nets.

Brooklyn gained a brief lead in the opening minutes of the second quarter, but Tatum’s three-pointer at the buzzer gave the Celtics the last eight points of the quarter and a 70-58 lead at the break.

Brooklyn overcame an eight-point hole to close the gap to 91-88 entering the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to Dinwiddie’s 12 points in the third quarter.

Dennis Smith Jr.’s 3-pointer with 6:47 left gave Boston a 96-95 lead, but Tatum’s two 3-pointers during a 14-4 run with roughly five minutes left effectively sealed the deal.