The Nets got 37 points from Kyrie Irving, while a huge third quarter from Kevin Durant helped pace Brooklyn to a 123-95 victory over the Celtics on Friday.
Five things to know from Saturday’s game
1. While Irving started slow with just three points in the first quarter, he dominated for the rest of the game. He drained seven threes, finished 13-for-21 from the field, adding six rebounds and eight assists.
2. With the Celtics leading 54-51 at halftime, Durant got hot to open up the third quarter. He scored the first nine Nets points of the second half, scoring from both inside and out to give the Nets a lead they would never relinquish. Durant scored 15 of his 29 points in the third quarter.
3. Adapting to his new role off the bench, Caris LeVert chipped in with 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting in 19 minutes.
4. The Nets cleaned up on second-chance opportunities, with Jarrett Allen leading the way with five offensive rebounds. The big man contributed with nine points and 11 boards in 21 minutes.
5. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 27 points, while Jayson Tatum (20 points) and Marcus Smart (13 points) also reached double-figures for Boston.
What’s next
Brooklyn heads out to Charlotte for a Sunday contest against the Hornets. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
