Boston Celtics will take on Brooklyn Nets in NBA 2021-22 on Thursday, 21 April 2022 at 04:30 AM IST
In Game 1 of the series, Boston was able to edge out a narrow 115-114 win, courtesy of a stunning buzzer-beating layup from Jayson Tatum.
The youngster scored 31 points and made eight assists in 44 minutes of action. Al Horford also contributed with 20 points and 15 rebounds for the Celtics.
The team was able to make timely buckets, while also putting a stop to Kevin Durant, who managed to score 23 points while only shooting 37.5% from the field.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets did not show enough consistency throughout the regular season. Despite their at times tepid displays, many picked them as the favorites for their first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Kyrie Irving was in stellar form in the first game, but Kevin Durants below-par display seemed to be one of the leading reasons behind the Nets defeat. Durant was defended well by the Celtics, but a strong response can be expected from him in Game 2.
The Nets have a strong supporting cast in Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, Patty Mills and Goran Dragic. These are all experienced players and should Durant face some trouble again, they will have to take some burden off his and Irvings shoulders.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were a defensively resolute team during the 2021-22 regular season. They have brought the same intensity into the playoffs and this was on full display during Game 1 against the Nets.
Marcus Smart, who was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year award this season, will look to bring his best once again and lock up the Nets offense.
The 28-year-old is also a threat on the offensive end, which is what makes him an incredible asset to the franchise.
The likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown already have experience competing in the playoffs. They are well-versed with respect to the importance of this game and will need to be at their best to help the side pick up a 2-0 lead.
Fantasy Tips
Boston Celtics team has the upper hand over Brooklyn Nets team. So try to pick more players from Boston Celtics
Small League Must Picks:
BOS: Jayson Tatum [1957 points], Jaylen Brown [1323 points] BKN: Kevin Durant [1472 points], Andre Drummond [991 points]
Derrick White, Marcus Smart, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, Daniel Theis, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Luke Kornet, Brodric Thomas, Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser, Matt Ryan, Al Horford
Brooklyn Nets Squad:
Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Patty Mills, Kevin Durant, Kessler Edwards, Bruce Brown, Andre Drummond, Nicolas Claxton, David Duke JR, Goran Dragic, Dayron Sharpe, Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge