Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
The Boston Celtics took a 3-0 lead over the Nets in the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, prompting dreams of a sweep and criticism of Brooklyn.
When Game 1 ended with a thrilling buzzer-beater, it looked like the Celtics and Nets were heading for an instant classic in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
The games have stayed close but Brooklyn has yet to hit back. If they don’t do it in Game 4, they’ll be heading home.
After Saturday’s 109-103 road victory for the Celtics, fans in Boston were ready to get out their brooms while NBA fans, in general, had comments to make about the state of the two teams.
Celtics fans gloated and the Nets took a beating on Twitter after Game 3
Saturday’s action featured another huge outing from Jayson Tatum, whose leadership has driven Boston to the verge of a sweep. He dropped 39 points with five rebounds, six assists and six steals, making up for his five turnovers.
The Celtics’ defense stifled Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who both settled for 16 points. That left Bruce Brown to lead the Nets with 26 points. Irving went 0-for-7 from three-point range while Durant had five turnovers.
As Twitter users pointed out en masse, Brooklyn may have the star power but the Celtics team has neutralized them with stingy defense and standout performances from Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Boston will look to complete the sweep on Monday in Game 4 but they’ll once again be on the road. Durant, Irving and possibly Ben Simmons will be playing for their playoff lives while looking to avoid another deeply disappointing campaign’s end.