Brooklyn’s efficient first half built a five-point lead, and the Nets are still ahead early in the third.
Brooklyn opened with a 31-26 first quarter, matched Boston 30-30 in the second, and took a 61-56 lead into halftime. Chaney Johnson went 4-for-4, including 2-for-2 from three, for 12 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 14. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 16, but the Celtics entered the night 2-1 and ninth in the power index against an 0-3 Nets team ranked 28th. Brooklyn leads 66-59 in the third quarter; after the break, watch whether Boston can turn Tatum’s scoring into a run and whether Julius Randle improves on 3-for-11 shooting.
Key Performers
Chaney Johnson: 12 points, 4-for-4 FG, 2-for-2 from three Michael Porter Jr.: 14 points, 4 rebounds Jayson Tatum: 16 points, 4 assists