Game Recap
In a Week 22 Eastern Conference battle, the Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 121-108 on March 18, 2025, behind a dominant second-half surge and a standout performance from Jayson Tatum. The win keeps Boston firmly in the race for the top seed in the East, while the Nets continue to slide with playoff hopes dimming.
The first half was competitive, with Mikal Bridges scoring 16 first-half points to keep the Nets within striking distance. Boston led 56-53 at halftime, thanks to efficient shooting from Derrick White and Kristaps Porziņģis.
In the third quarter, the Celtics took control, going on a 14-3 run sparked by back-to-back threes from Jaylen Brown and a transition dunk by Tatum. The Nets struggled to generate offense as the Celtics’ perimeter defense locked in. Boston extended the lead to 15 going into the fourth and never looked back.
Key Performances
Boston Celtics:
-
Jayson Tatum: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
-
Jaylen Brown: 24 points, 5 rebounds
-
Derrick White: 16 points, 6 assists
-
Kristaps Porziņģis: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
Brooklyn Nets:
-
Mikal Bridges: 25 points, 3 assists
-
Cam Thomas: 18 points, 4 rebounds
-
Nic Claxton: 10 points, 11 rebounds
Statistical Highlights
-
Field Goal %: Celtics 50.7% | Nets 44.2%
-
Three-Point %: Celtics 39.4% (13/33) | Nets 32.1% (9/28)
-
Rebounds: Celtics 45 | Nets 38
-
Turnovers: Celtics 11 | Nets 15
Takeaways
-
Boston’s offensive balance and transition defense were key to pulling away in the second half.
-
Tatum continues his MVP-caliber season, showing leadership in clutch moments.
-
Brooklyn struggled with consistency, especially in late shot-clock situations.
What’s Next
The Celtics will next face the Milwaukee Bucks in a possible Eastern Conference Finals preview, while the Nets have a critical game against the Heat as they try to cling to a Play-In spot.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
For more NBA recaps, power rankings, and playoff predictions, subscribe now. Stay updated with every key result from Week 22 of the NBA season.
