Celtics 89 - Nets 81: C's get their first win of the New Year

Photo: Getty Images

The Boston Celtics came into the Barclays Center win-less in 2015. They looked to snap a three-game skid and avenge a Nets loss from a few weeks ago. Despite not putting up a lot of points on the board, the C's held the home team to a new season low in a 89-81 victory in Brooklyn on Wednesday night.


Avery Bradley led the way for Boston and all scorers with 21 points and four assists, while Tyler Zeller added 18 points, six rebounds and also dished out four assists in the win. Brandon Bass chipped in with nine points, and Even Turner in another start at point guard, finished with six points, seven assists and eight rebounds.

Brooklyn finished with five players in double-figures, Joe Johnson scored 17 points. Mason Plumlee recored a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Jarrett Jack contributed with 15 points and four assists for the Nets, who are now 16-19 on the season.

The Nets were up 10 early in the first quarter before Deron Williams took himself out of the game after four minutes due to a sore left side (he would not return). By halftime the Celtics were up 40-39 as Brooklyn scored only 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting in the second. Boston pushed their lead to 69-62 going into the final frame. The Nets failed to cut into deficit as the C's led by as many as 13 in the fourth, forcing several turnovers on their way to a win.

Newcomer Jae Crowder played some key minutes down the stretch for Brad Stevens to help secure the W.

"We knew what we had to do to come into the game tonight and get a win," said Crowder. "We just came out with a little more effort than they did and it showed late."

Boston forced 17 Brooklyn turnovers and turned them into 16 points. The C's took care of the ball, only turning it over six times to get their 12th win of the season (12-21). Both teams shot around 40-percent on the evening.

The Celtics will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Pacers on Friday night to try and make it two wins in a row. Tip-off is at 7:30.

Game Notes:

James Young who scored 13 points on Monday night off the bench, was inactive against the Nets along with Jameer Nelson (ankle). Marcus Thornton returned to the lineup after missing 11-straight games with a strained left calf. He scored five points on 2-7 shooting in 14 minutes. The Celtics are now 3-0 against Atlantic Division teams on the road, while they are 3-7 since trading away Rajon Rondo.


Joel Pavón