The Boston Celtics pulled out a victory against the Brooklyn Nets in the best game of the NBA Playoffs thus far. It was a back-and-forth contest throughout Game 1 of their first round matchup, which ended with a Jayson Tatum spinning layup at the buzzer to give the Celtics the win.
It was an all-around effort by the Celtics, countering the dazzling performance by Nets star Kyrie Irving. Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford all finished with 20 points or more. This series is bound to go down to the wire, with the Nets' star power and the Celtics' depth.
Here are three key reasons the Celtics pulled out an insane Game 1 victory over the Nets.
Why the Celtics beat the Nets in Game 1
3. Balanced scoring
A big difference between the Celtics and the Nets is how their rosters are constructed. Brooklyn has the superstar duo of Irving and Kevin Durant, while Boston has multiple players that can light up the defense.
This was shown in Game 1 with the aforementioned balanced scoring attack from Tatum, Brown, Smart, and Horford. The Nets are not a great defensive unit, and having so many scoring threats makes it even harder for them to make stops.
Having an unselfish crew makes the Celtics better, plain and simple. While there are times when they will rely on their stars Tatum and Brown, having other reliable options can take the offense to a whole new level.
Although they played well offensively, it could be even better as Derrick White didn't play to his full potential. He averaged 13.2 points per game during the regular season but only scored seven points in Game 1. If White can step up in the next few games, it will be near-impossible for the Nets to stop the Celtics.
2. Jayson Tatum in attack mode
Tatum has been a difference-maker since day one, but he has now become a solidified superstar. Young stars can crack under pressure or defer too often to other players. Tatum had the perfect balance of getting other teammates involved and taking over in crucial moments for the Celtics.
While it came off of a cut to the basket, Tatum did hit the game-winning layup, which bailed out Beantown from a good defensive possession by the Nets.
Tatum playing well will be essential to defeating the star-studded Nets.
1. Elite defense limited Kevin Durant
Durant is one of the best scorers in NBA history, but the Celtics' defensive scheme severely limited his impact in Game 1. KD finished with 23 points but only shot 9-of-24 from the field and had six turnovers.
The Celtics sent multiple defenders at Durant during certain points of the game and played good individual defense on him. Tatum showed that he is not just a scoring machine but a solid defender as well.
Before hitting the game-winning shot, Tatum forced Durant to take a contested three-pointer. KD has made many clutch shots throughout his career, but Tatum's defense prevented him from making another one.
It will be hard to contain the former MVP for the rest of the series, as great players usually bounce back. However, Celtics coach Ime Udoka has the game plan and talented players to get it done.
The Celtics are title contenders, and getting to the NBA Finals starts with this series against the Nets. Taking a 2-0 lead on Tuesday would be pivotal.
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