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With a Boston Celtics Game 3 game against the Brooklyn Nets, many will be watching the competitive first-round series. Ahead of the Celtics-Nets game, we'll be making our Celtics Game 3 predictions.
The Celtics have taken a controlling 2-0 series lead following a 114-107 victory on Wednesday. Boston once again limited Nets superstar Kevin Durant, which is tough to do.
Durant finished with 27 points but shot 4-17 from the field. In the 2nd half, Durant was 0-10 from the field and had four turnovers. Boston's defense on one of the most skilled scorers of all-time has been unprecedented. Head coach Ime Udoka has put together a great scheme by mixing in double teams and traps with Jayson Tatum guarding him individually.
Tatum is known for his offense, but his defense has been sensational on Durant.
The defense on Kyrie Irving in Tuesday night's game has gone under the radar with Durant's poor performance. Irving was held to just 10 points after exploding for 39 points in game one. Boston took Irving's scoring and playmaking out of the game, as he shot 4-13 from the field and only had one assist.
Game 3 will head to Brooklyn, and it will be vital for both teams. The Celtics will be looking to take a dominant 3-0 lead while the Nets look to get back in the series.
With that said, here are three bold predictions for the Celtics' Game 3 vs. Nets in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
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Celtics-Nets Game 3 Predictions
3. Celtics defense limits Kevin Durant, again
Boston's number one ranked defense has shown up in this first-round series. The job they have done defending Durant has been incredible, and the scheme should continue this trend in game three.
Durant has still gotten points throughout the series but has been very inefficient. Through two games, he has 50 points while shooting 31.7 percent (13-41).
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The mix of different looks thrown at him has caused trouble offensively. Boston has schemed up their defense to limit Durant's assists, even when he is double-teamed. Udoka and the Celtics' defense deserve a ton of credit, and they should keep it up in game 3.
2. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combine for 60 points
Brown and Tatum have both played at a high level on both ends of the floor throughout the playoffs. Through the first two games of the series, it has been a balanced offensive attack for the Celtics.
The passing has been off the charts, as they have gotten many open looks. While it's been more of scoring by committee thus far, Brown and Tatum will likely need to take over in game 3. Boston will not be at home, and the Brooklyn crowd will be energized.
The Celtics stars Brown and Tatum will need to take over to silence the crowd and help Boston take a firm hold on the series. They can both score at all three levels, making them hard to defend. With no elite defender available for the Nets, Brown and Tatum should have no problem taking over.
1. Celtics win, seize 3-0 lead
While the Celtics have won the first two games, it is not a given for them to win game 3. Their defense has been dominant in limiting two of the most skilled scorers in NBA history. They have forced others to step up for Brooklyn to stay in the game.
Offensively, the Celtics have had too many options for the Nets' defense to keep up with.
While it won't be an easy win in Brooklyn, the Celtics should head into game 4 with a 3-0 lead.
