Nets fall to streaking Celtics, 118-110, as Jayson Tatum scores 41 points
NEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 41 points and 14 rebounds, and the NBA-leading Boston Celtics won their fifth straight game by beating the Nets 118-110 on Tuesday night in the opener of a home-and-home series.
Jaylen Brown added 19 points for the Celtics, who improved to 42-12 and will host the Nets on Wednesday in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.
Tatum tied his career high for points in a first half with 31 and the Celtics led comfortably much of the way while playing without Kristaps Porzingis because of a lower back contusion.
Al Horford replaced Porzingis and scored 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting. Derrick White also scored 16 and Jrue Holiday had 14 points and 12 assists as the Celtics won their sixth straight in Brooklyn.
Mikal Bridges scored 27 points and Cam Thomas had 26 for the Nets, who lost for the fourth time in five games.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Brooklyn on Wednesday night.
Nets: Travel to Boston to play the Celtics on Wednesday night.
