Nets reaction: Brooklyn claims Game 1 over Boston at home

The Brooklyn Nets kicked off their playoff run hosting the Celtics at the Barclays Center on Saturday night. Missing only Spencer Dinwiddie for the matchup, the goal was simple: win the game and have fun while doing it. This team has struggled to put together a fully healthy roster all season long so the players are just grateful to be out there again alongside each other.

In the first half, Jayson Tatum (15 PTS 3 ASTS, 3 REBS) logged 20 minutes and gave his team a 53-47 lead at the break. Tatum also led his team in plus-minus at +11. Kevin Durant (16 PTS, 7 REBS, 5-15 FG) opened his postseason shooting below average for himself.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, the Nets went on a 0-for-11 drought from downtown in the first two periods. Joe Harris ended it the dry spell before the second quarter ended. It was clear Brooklyn’s offense was struggling. They had to step it up heading into the second half.

Brooklyn went on to outscore Boston 31-20 in the third quarter to recapture their first lead since 2-0 at the start of the game. Kevin Durant found his shot, Kyrie Irving was busting ankles and James Harden was doing it all. For the final quarter, the Nets’ big three actually combined to score 23 points. The Celtics as a team scored 20 in the final period.

It was certainly a tale of two halves by the Nets, especially scoring wise. It didn’t matter though because they ran away with Game 1 of their playoff run 104-93.

The big three bounces back in the second half

After going 11-for-32 in first half, the Nets' big three closed out in a must win game - something they have not done together since arriving here in Brooklyn. The three, as mentioned earlier, combined for 23 points in the fourth quarter. Overall, they combined for 82 points in the win. Not too bad by the trio; however, we do expect much more from them. Perhaps it was nerves that limited their capabilities in Game 1.

Scoring droughts could cost the Nets against tougher competition

The Brooklyn Nets must avoid scoring drought at all costs. Brooklyn scored only 16 points in the first quarter and they went on a 0-for-11 drought from three in the first half. For the entirety of those situations, the Celtics had control of the game. Once the Nets got off of their scoring drought in the second half, they recaptured control of the game. Long story short, in order to avoid any scenario that can put Brooklyn's backs against the wall would be to avoid these scoring droughts no matter what. Especially when up against a better team.

Players enjoyed having more fans in attendance

Nets players couldn't wait to play in front of more fans after it was announced that the Barclays Center would load up more in capacity. Whether it was Kyrie Irving just dribbling or James Harden stepping back for three, you can just hear the "oohs" and "ahhs" from the crowd. Everyone was so just so mesmerized after seeing this team compete after so long due to COVID. Kevin Durant also noted in the postgame press conference that the "fans gave us an extra push."

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