Inside The Nets

Brooklyn Nets lose in a massive 136-86 blowout to Boston Celtics

The Nets suffered the second-worst loss in franchise history.

Peter Sunjic

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Despite an encouraging performance in the first game of the back-to-back against the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets did not play well, losing 136-86 in an embarrassing fashion.

It was one of the Nets’ worst performances of the season, with Mikal Bridges from the being the only starter to score in double-digits. Trendon Watford led the team with 15 points, but that was mostly in garbage time when the result was no longer in doubt. On the other hand, Boston dominated, spearheaded by Payton Pritchard’s 28 points and Derrick White’s 27.

“We talked about these games going into the break and sometimes what they look like when the entire focus and concentration is not on every possession and the game itself. This is too good for a team to not be totally engaged and locked in from start to finish. Because of that, we paid for it, paid for it in a difficult way,” head coach Jacque Vaughn said after the embarrassing loss.

The All-Star break is much needed

The Nets won’t be playing for eight days, a much-needed break after this embarrassing loss — it was an unexpected result, given the Nets showed they could compete with Boston during the second half of their first matchup.

Unfortunately, the first-half performance in the second game was abysmal, as it included giving up a 22-0 run to the Celtics. Brooklyn couldn’t recover after that run, as the team was already down 68 to 32 at halftime. The game was lost in the first half, leading to most of the bench getting minutes in the second half.

“I think after this loss these guys will get away and get refreshed, get their minds and bodies right, and be ready to go after the break,” Vaughn said about the upcoming eight-day break.

The Nets should use this loss as motivation

After the game, Mikal was displeased with the result. That is a good sign that the squad is taking this loss seriously, which could become the motivation for the rest of the season after All-Star Weekend.

The team still has a strong chance of making it into the Play-In Tournament, so the Nets should move on from this result but use it as motivation to earn another spot in the Playoffs. 

Mikal Bridges airs his frustration after the 50-point loss to the Celtics

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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