Head coach Lionel Hollins decided to go with a lineup that didn’t feature former All-Stars Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. Instead, Jarrett Jack and Mason Plumlee earned the starting spots. The game started off with a high scoring first quarter, as Boston scored 29 while Brooklyn recorded 28. It continued to be a close one, as it was tied at 56 by halftime. Jeff Green had 12 points at the time, while Jack notched 11. Brooklyn was shooting it at 49 percent while allowing the opposing team to shoot 55 percent from the floor. Each team had seven turnovers at the half.
Early in the third quarter, it began to look like Boston was beginning to seize control of the game by going up by 10. By the 3:11 minute mark of the quarter, the Celtics missed four straight shots, which led to the Nets going on an 8-0 run. Things continued to look brighter for Brooklyn, as Deron Williams knocked down a shot at the buzzer to end the quarter. The lead was still in favor of Boston, as they were up, 86-79.
In the final quarter of the game, Jack continued to put up scoring numbers, while Mason Plumlee provided some good defense and solid screens. These two guys played crucial roles in the Nets comeback road to victory. Brooklyn once again found themselves on another run (11-2) and tied the score with 4:15 left in the game.
Jack nailed a crucial shot with 27 seconds left to put the Nets up by two points. He was then fouled and sent to the line where he knocked down two important costless throws. Avery Bradley kept hope alive for Boston, as he hit a three pointer to make it a one point game with 1.5 seconds left to go. It was then Joe Johnson’s turn to visit the costless throw line, and he was able to only make 1-of-2. Gerald Wallace threw a nice full court pass to reach the hands of Jared Sullinger, but he was not able to convert on the shot to force overtime.
Jack concluded with a new season-high of 27 points. He also contributed with seven rebounds and five assists. Plumlee achieved another double-double, as that would be his fifth one in the last eight games. He finished with 14 points and 12 boards. Alan Anderson provided a nice boost off the bench with 15 points. Green was the high man for the Celtics, as he had 22 points.
Within this three game winning streak, Jack has started been the starter in all of them. One must wonder whether coach Hollins should keep going further with this lineup. Would Willams be bothered by it? Should Plumlee also remain as a starter? Lopez has mostly been known for his offense. Plumlee has shown he can be a two way player and achieve solid rebounding numbers. It might be best to let him continue to develop his game, as its still capable of reaching a further potential.
Both teams will be back in action on December 27th. The Nets will face off against the Indiana Pacers, while the Celtics matchup with the Washington Wizards.