It certainly is a great time to be a fan of the Boston Celtics. After a nailbiter in Game 1 that saw Jayson Tatum beat the buzzer, Game 2 did not disappoint.
The C’s were able to rebound from some early struggles to overcome the Brooklyn Nets and take a 2-0 series lead.
Once again, Al Horford came up huge on both ends of the floor for Boston. The 35-year-old posted 16 points, six rebounds, and was a plus eleven on the night. However, the big man would, unfortunately, foul out of the contest.
This led to first-year head coach Ime Udoka closing the game with an unusual lineup.
Payton Pritchard saw a decent chunk of action down the stretch and exceeded expectations. PP poured in eight points in the fourth quarter alone, which included this nasty step-back combo to give Boston the lead:
Man, this is all I have to say about Payton Pritchard:
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) April 21, 2022
Big time players
Make big time plays
In big time moments #Celtics #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/BThfq2F5lo
On the other hand, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for just eight fourth-quarter points. The duo was noticeably bothered all game long by the shamrocks’ defense. It was not just the final twelve minutes that the pair of superstars struggled to score.
Boston’s ferocious defense held Durant and Irving to just 37 points on 8-for-30 shooting. KD still managed to score 27 of the duo’s 37 points as he was a near-perfect 18-for-20 from the charity stripe.
Boston’s defense frustrated the former MVP all night long, as he had this to say after the game:
"“Two or three people contest, or somebody is in the lane when I’m driving, or they might double here and there”"
Durant’s 0-for-10 performance from the floor in the second half of Game 2 is the most field goal attempts without a make in any half of his career.
Much of that frustration was caused by the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. The team’s heart and soul not only stifled the Nets with his elite defense, but he performed well on the offensive end as well.
Smart finished with twelve points and five assists, including this smooth left-handed layup, which served as the dagger:
Yessir @smart_MS3!!! pic.twitter.com/cjJvNVLBe7
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 21, 2022
After the two huge wins in Boston, the C’s now hit the road with momentum on their side. Even with a commanding 2-0 series lead, this best-of-seven series is far from over.
Some big-time help could be on the way, as Robert Williams III is listed as questionable ahead of Game 3.
In order for the Celtics to continue their postseason success, they must hone in on these 3 keys in Saturday’s outing: