Boston Celtics are one step away from the Eastern Conference semifinals after beating the Nets 109-103. Jayson Tatum exploded for 39 points, while Jaylen Brown added 23 points having some crucial plays in the fourth quarter.
Boston led most of the way before the Nets cut it to three with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter. But Marcus Smart scored on a follow shot, made a jumper in transition before Brown got a steal and dunk to make it 81-72 going to the fourth.
The Celtics played once again suffocated defense on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Durant took only 11 shots, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Irving was 6 for 17 and also had 16 points for the Nets.
In the brink of elimination, the Nets have to decide if they will allow Ben Simmons to make his first appearance in Brooklyn. Durant was only 13 for 41 (31.7%) in the two games in Boston with 12 turnovers. He added another five turnovers in Nets’ Game 3 loss.
The Celtics will have the chance to sweep the series Monday night in Game 4, which will take place again in Brooklyn. In any case, it seems Brooklyn will need a miracle to remain alive in the series.
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