The Nets were short six of their seven best players against the Boston Celtics and, to no one’s surprise, they played like it.
Brooklyn had an injury list that could compete for an NBA championship: Kevin Durant (sprained MCL), Kyrie Irving (ineligible for home games), Joe Harris (ankle surgery), LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle sprain) and Nic Claxton (left hamstring tightness) were already expected to miss Tuesday night’s matchup before the Nets scratched James Harden (left hamstring tightness) in the early afternoon.
The result was a Nets team that was clearly and thoroughly outmatched by the Celtics’ stars. Brooklyn didn’t bring nearly enough effort to close the talent gap in an embarrassing 126-91 finish on their home floor.