Celtics fall behind big early, lose Tatum as Nets take 2-0 lead
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The Boston Celtics fell down 0-2 to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, losing 130-108 in tonight’s Game 2.
Brooklyn made it a point to be the aggressor in this fight, putting their foot on the Celtics’ neck and not letting up once.
The Nets hit the ground running in the first quarter, scoring 40 points in the first 12 minutes and taking a 14-point lead into the second quarter. Boston had trouble staying with sharpshooter Joe Harris in the first, who hit four 3-pointers, scoring 16 first quarter points.
Brooklyn continued to build on that lead going into halftime, as the Celtics trailed 71-47. For Boston, absolutely nothing went their way in the first half. Jayson Tatum struggled mightily to find his rhythm, who reportedly tweaked his groin during Game 1.
In the third quarter, Brooklyn’s offensive juggernaut continued to flex their muscles, extending their lead to over 30 points while the Celtics lost Jayson Tatum, who was poked in the eye by Kevin Durant when fighting for a loose ball. Tatum left the game and did not return early in the third quarter, who finished with just 9 points on 3-of-12 shooting.
Marcus Smart led the way for the Celtics with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals on 6-of-13 shooting and 5-of-8 from downtown.
Kemba Walker finished with 17 points and 7 assists. Tristan Thompson added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Celtics will look to make this a series in Game 3 back home in Boston on Friday.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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