Both teams sitting atop the East standings, Boston not a surprise, but Brooklyn with so many glaring weaknesses is. Though likely to fall with Durant out for some time. Brown and Horford out for the Celtics here to even things up a bit. Tatum gets a nice possession retaining block on Kyrie's 3-point attempt early. A rare Kornet sighting in the 1st term, he makes back to back baskets right away. For the Nets Harris starting to look like his old self once again, giving Brooklyn a 2-point lead at the quarter break. Warren gives the Nets a scoring punch off the bench as well, but the Celtics up 3 at the half. Simmons doing a good job rebounding and outletting, but never looking to score. Hardly any separation throughout the game, Boston holds a 2-point lead going into the last. White makes back to back defensive rotation plays and Boston starts to kick away, going up double-digits. They close it out comfortably in the end, despite their absences and Tatum not having an outstanding game. Boston shot better from the field and had better production at the line, while Brooklyn was better from 3. The Celtics significantly +17 on the boards. White 15 points, with four 3's and 7 boards. Smart 16 points, 10 assists, 6 boards and 2 steals. Brogdon 16 points and 5 boards off the bench. Kornet 5 of 5 from the field, with 5 boards in 15 minutes of action. Tatum an inefficient 20 points, 5 assists and 11 boards. For Brooklyn, Harris an efficient 18 points, 5 boards and 2 steals. Warren with 20 points off the bench. Simmons 13 assists, 9 boards and 2 steals, 0 points though. Irving 24 points and 6 assists.
3. (Bkn) J. Harris, 2. (Bos) D. White, 1. (Bos) M. Smart.
3. (Bkn) J. Harris, 2. (Bos) D. White, 1. (Bos) M. Smart.