According to the official NBA playoff bracket for 2022, the Boston Celtics will open against the Brooklyn Nets. I
A 115-108 victory for Brooklyn over Cleveland in Tuesday’s play-in game set up a first-round meeting between the Nets and the Celtics. The Celtics’ top-ranked defence will face a stern test if it is charged with containing superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, who combined for 34 and 25 points against Cleveland.
Also, Ben Simmons might make his Nets debut at some point in the series. The Philadelphia 76ers guard who missed the whole regular season is reportedly targeting a return for Game 3.
Exactly what is it about the Celtics that has allowed Udoka to flourish there? If you have any doubts, just ask his top assistant.
Jayson Tatum Scored 54 Points
During the 2021-22 season, the Celtics had a 3-1 record against the Nets. However, two of those wins occurred when Brooklyn was missing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. On March 6th, Boston defeated Tampa Bay by a score of 126-120. Jayson Tatum scored 54 points, a season high for him, in the win.
These same clubs met in last year’s opening round of the playoffs. Durant averaged a series-high 32.6 points per game for the Nets as they defeated the Celtics in five games. With 30.6 points per game, Tatum was the driving force in a losing effort for the Boston Celtics’ offence.
Kevin Durant led the winning team with 25 points and 11 dimes. Bruce Brown contributed 18 points, eight dimes, and nine boards for the Nets.
Last Words
The Nets have secured a playoff berth, but the Cavaliers aren’t out of it just yet. The Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, currently 9th and 10th in the Eastern Conference, will square off on Wednesday. The victor will face Cleveland in a potential first round series against the Heat.
The Cavaliers’ point guard Darius Garland had a big night on Tuesday, scoring 34 points and dishing out five assists. Jarrett Allen, an All-Star centre for the Cavaliers, missed the game with a fractured finger.
