Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Lead Celtics to Victory over Nets in IST Tournament Opener. The Celtics didn’t need any extra motivation for their first In-Season Tournament game, according to coach Joe Mazzulla. They treated it like any other game, but their performance spoke otherwise.

Jaylen Brown’s impressive 28-point performance, including five made three-pointers, propelled Boston to a convincing 121-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Celtics bounce back from a two-game losing streak and secure a victory in their tournament opener.

The Celtics’ bench, which struggled in the previous losses, stepped up with 37 points, with Sam Hauser contributing 15 points and Payton Pritchard adding 13. Pritchard’s impact was particularly highlighted by Mazzulla, who praised his all-around contributions.

Lonnie Walker IV led the Nets with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Trendon Watford added 14 points. Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie both finished with 12 points. Despite the loss, the Nets hold a 1-1 record in East Group C play.

Boston controlled the game for most of the night, opening up an 18-point lead that was trimmed down to nine by the end of the third quarter. However, the Celtics responded with an 18-6 run to start the final period, pushing the lead back to a comfortable 111-90 with just under seven minutes remaining.

The TD Garden underwent a tournament-themed makeover, featuring the new NBA Cup trophy and a different floor design. The atmosphere remained electric throughout the game, as the Celtics showcased their dominance.

In the first half, Boston displayed their оffensive prowess by taking a 66-54 halftime lead. They capitalized on their outside shooting, draining 12 three-pointers, and took care of the ball with only two turnovers.

Despite missing key players like Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas, the short-handed Nets relied on their bench for production, scoring 60 points collectively. However, Boston’s strong start and disciplined play helped them secure the victory.

The Celtics’ guard Jrue Holiday expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and their willingness to improve, emphasizing execution, toughness, and effort as key factors to build upon.

With this win, the Celtics set the tone for their journey in the In-Season Tournament and displayed their determination to continue growing as a team.