Tatum, Celtics take first half against the Nets
Rematch is set for the Garden
NEW YORK — Jayson Tatum had drilled a pair of deep, contested 3-pointers on consecutive possessions late in the first quarter, and suddenly there was an opportunity for one more.
He caught a pass in the left corner, where Nets guard Dennis Schroder cramped his airspace as if preparing to give him a hug. Tatum sensed the imminent contact, flicked a shot toward the rim as he was fouled, and started strutting toward the fans along the baseline before the ball had even slid through the net.
He blew a kiss — his signature celebration — to yet another road crowd with an unmistakable green hue. After hitting the ensuing free throw he had poured in 10 points in just 65 seconds, a sequence reminiscent of last season, when he reached the 40-point mark 11 times and turned into a legitimate MVP candidate.
Those eruptions are not required as often this season because Tatum is surrounded by more talent. Although his point totals have dipped slightly, the Celtics’ wins have accumulated more rapidly.
And Tuesday’s 118-110 victory provided another example of both truths. After erupting for 31 points in the first half, Tatum was well-positioned to potentially chase the franchise’s single-game scoring record of 60 that he shares with Larry Bird.
But in the third quarter Tatum assessed the Nets’ adjustments and willingly became more of a facilitator. He took just two shots over the first 7:20, clearly more focused on a win than a box score. He finished with 41 points.
“It was just all about playing in the flow,” Tatum said. “We’ve got a really good team where on any given possession
we could have two or three advantages. It’s not always going to be me. So just understanding that and knowing that I need my teammates. I need everybody. We all need each other. So everybody, we’ve got to share the love.”
Tatum is a two-time firstteam All-NBA choice and the reigning All-Star Game MVP. He is well-positioned to start filling up the franchise’s record books. But it all could feel empty if it does not coincide with doing what this historic franchise is best known for. So that is what he is truly chasing.
“The first half was true individual greatness, and the way he manipulated the defense in the second half was another sign of greatness,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “His ability and character to find different ways to be one of the best players on the floor and empower his teammates and understand that in order to get where we want to get to, it’s a team, and he truly understands that. It’s fun to watch.”
Boston raced to a 23-point lead behind Tatum’s dominant half. There were periods of uneven play after that, helping the Nets twice pull within 6 during the fourth quarter. But it always felt as if the Celtics would find a way to finish off the win.
Jrue Holiday added 14 points and 12 assists for the Celtics, who won their fifth game in a row to continue this dominant season that has included few hiccups. Al Horford was 6 for 6 from the field and scored 16 points starting in place of Kristaps Porzingis, who sat out because of a back contusion. Boston shot 51.8 percent from the field overall, helping it hold off the late push by Brooklyn.
“I just think it’s our character,” Holiday said. “I think we believe that we’re a good team and can withstand anything . . . At the end of the game it’s something we really try to lock into and just be able to buckle down offensively.”
There were some imperfections. The Celtics had a seemingly comfortable 98-82 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter. But with Tatum on the bench they mustered just 1 point over the first 4:24.
The Nets pulled within 9993 on a Mikal Bridges dunk before Derrick White answered with a 3-pointer. Tatum then reentered the game and helped the Celtics extend their lead before the Nets made a final push. They once again cut their deficit to 6, this time with a Jalen Wilson 3-pointer at the 2:49 mark. And White once again answered with a 3-pointer.
“Just somebody you can always count on to be in the right place,” Holiday said, “and not be afraid to take on the challenge of making a big shot like tonight.”
Mazzulla said he was generally pleased with the execution during the fourth quarter. But the Celtics committed five turnovers and allowed the Nets to shoot 63.2 percent from the field.
That segment will inevitably lead to some fresh lessons for this group, but Tatum’s big half provided enough of a cushion, and one uneven stretch will simply provide new lessons.
“We have to get better,” Mazzulla said. “We’re not perfect. Some of the stuff we did tonight was inconceivable. But we won and at the same time we have to get better and guys are open minded to that.”