THE BOSTON Celtics didn’t do much wrong in the opening quarter and breezed to a 139-96 home victory over the depleted Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Boston was 18-for-29 from the field (62.1 percent) in the opening frame and led 46-16 after 12 minutes. It was the largest lead the Celtics have had after the first quarter in franchise history.
The Celtics made eight of 11 3-pointers in the period — including their first seven attempts — and outrebounded Brooklyn 20-6. The 2018-19 Golden State Warriors hold the NBA record for most points in a first quarter (51).
Brooklyn trailed 79-45 at halftime and 110-72 after three quarters. Boston’s lead peaked at 49 in the fourth quarter.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 31 points. He also had nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot before the Celtics put their starters on the bench after three quarters. Jaylen Brown added 26 points. — Reuters