Boston Celtics (3-1) beat Brooklyn Nets (0-4) 125-124 at home on Tuesday, October 27 in overtime.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Nets had the better start, winning the first 31-26 to lead by 5 after one. The teams matched each other with 30 points apiece in the second quarter; the Nets still led by 5 at halftime.
The Celtics won the third 30-21 to turn the game around, taking a 4-point lead into the fourth. The Nets answered with a 35-31 fourth quarter, forcing overtime at 117.
The Celtics finally separated the teams in overtime, winning it 8-7 to close out a 125-124 victory.
What decided it
The Celtics made 32.3 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 17.5 for the Nets. The Celtics took better care of the ball, turning it over on 12.4% of possessions compared with 13.7% for the Nets. In a 1-point game, the points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
The Nets did win one battle, shooting: eFG% of 55.2% against 51.1%. The Celtics made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 111 possessions per team, the Celtics produced 112.4 points per 100 possessions to 111.5 for the Nets.
The Nets' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 39-27.
Who stepped up
Jayson Tatum was the game's biggest individual force for BOS: 40 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast on 10-20 shooting. His Game Score of 35 led everyone. His team was +5 with him on the floor.
Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 27 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast on 8-16 shooting, good for a 21.6 Game Score.
Michael Porter Jr. (27 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Celtics about a 92% chance.
Across the last 8 meetings in our records, Boston Celtics lead 7-1.
The Celtics are now 3-1, and the Nets are 0-4. The Celtics last five before this game: L-L-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.