The Boston Celtics take a 100-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets were without their four All-Stars Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez. The Boston Celtics were without their star Rajon Rondo as well, who remains out with a hand injury. Rondo’s recovery seems to be going well, and Coach Brad Stevens has not ruled out a starting spot for him on opening night.
It was a close first quarter for both teams. Brooklyn was able to keep it a tight game having been sent to line very frequently during the first quarter. Boston had good ball movement going and recorded seven assists. The Celtics shot 47 percent while the Nets were at 36. At the end of one, the game was tied at 25.
Jared Sullinger came into the game shooting 54 percent from the three point arc. During the second quarter, he began to grab board after board, thus leading Boston to take a 58-44 lead at the half. Sullinger's strong contribution didn’t seem to be the only problem for Brooklyn, as they also struggled to protect the ball. The Celtics finished the first half with eight steals.
Rookie Marcus Smart led all scorers at the half with 16, while also recording four assists. Smart would not play in the second half and end up being the game’s highest scorer. Sullinger had 13 rebounds to go along with seven points after two quarters. Entering the third, Boston was up 58-44.
With 9:16 to go in the 3rd quarter, the Celtics continued to expand their lead, going on a 11-4 run. The Nets would then start a run of their own, going 8-0 at the 6:13 minute with help from Mason Plumlee. Boston stayed strong throughout the quarter though and entered the fourth up with a commanding 84-68 lead.
Boston’s lead kept increasing during the fourth as the Nets would have no respond. Two guys ended the night with a double-double. Sullinger finished with 15 points and 17 boards. Plumlee recorded 15 points and 11 boards. Brooklyn ended the night with 25 turnovers while Boston ended with 19.
This concluded the preseason schedule for both teams. These two teams will collide once again on October 29, as they will have their season opener. The Celtics finished their preseason at 5-3, while the Nets end with a 4-2 record.