The Boston Celtics knocked out the Brooklyn Nets in four short games in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
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Monday night at Barclays Center, the Massachusetts team ended hostilities and completed the sweep by winning 116-112.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points, three rebounds and five assists. Marcus Smart has also demonstrated his talent by being an accomplice to the successes of his teammates 11 times and by amassing 20 points.
In the loss, Kevin Durant had 39 points, six rebounds and seven assists in over 47 minutes on the court. Seth Curry was not left out with a harvest of 23 points.
This is another big disappointment for the Nets, who have been chasing top honors for the past few seasons. It’s the third time in four seasons they’ve been knocked out in the first round. They have also won only one series during this period.
Ja Morant rewarded
Earlier in the day, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player this season.
The native of South Carolina is the very first player in his organization to receive this distinction, which has existed since the 1985-1986 campaign.
In his third season on the Silver League, Morant averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. He also had at least 40 points in six games in 2021-22.
On the ballot, the Murray State Racers product edged out guards Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs) and Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers).