The star-studded Brooklyn Nets are bowing out of the 2022 NBA Playoffs without winning a single postseason game. With the 116-112 win in Game 4 on Monday night, the Boston Celtics have completed their first-round sweep of the Nets and are advancing to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
The game on Monday reflected the entire series between Boston and Brooklyn. The Celtics were pretty much in control the whole time and only allowed a short window for the Nets to return late in the fourth quarter. Kevin Durant and company came within a single point with less than two minutes left on the clock but then went on to miss a series of shots that allowed Boston to wrap up the game.
All-Star Jayson Tatum was the difference-maker on the floor for the Celtics, scoring 29 points to go with three boards and five assists. This was despite the fact that Tatum had to leave the game midway through the fourth quarter after making his sixth foul. Jaylen Brown had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Marcus Smart added 20 points and 11 assists.
After being hot and cold in the first three games, Durant put up a big performance for the Nets by contributing 39 points, seven boards, and nine assists. His fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving had 20 points and five assists, while veteran guard Seth Curry scored 23.
On Monday, Boston Celtics became the first team to punch their ticket to the second round of the playoffs. They now await the winner of the matchup between the reigning NBA Champs Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls.
