Nets Struggle Again, Fall to Celtics 113-99

On Tuesday, the Nets built a promising nine-point lead against the Celtics during the first quarter, which might have given fans some hope for back-to-back wins. But then, in the fourth quarter, Michael Porter Jr. hit a 3-pointer that briefly extended their lead.

However, that turned out to be the last score for the Nets with just 1:56 left on the clock. Closing out games has been a recurring challenge for them, and even a depleted Celtics team was too much to handle at Barclays Center, resulting in a 113-99 loss.

Boston surged ahead with an impressive 18-3 run midway through the fourth quarter.

This defeat dropped the Nets to 2-12 on the season and 0-7 at home against Brooklyn, equaling the franchise’s longest home losing streak, which was last seen during the 2009-10 season.

Back during that difficult season, the Nets had the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft and selected Derrick Favors.

Currently, only the Pacers and Wizards have fewer losses than the Nets, who are certainly hoping for more impactful players, as they’re struggling for the second consecutive year.

At halftime, the Nets led by only a single point, though there was a small highlight when rookie Egor Demin knocked down a 3-pointer in the first half.

Porter Jr. had a standout game, finishing with 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Yet, despite this effort, the Nets are missing a player of Jaylen Brown’s caliber. Brown, who scored only six points in the first half, came alive in the third quarter with 17 points, ultimately finishing with a game-high 29 points.

Even without Jayson Tatum, who is sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon, the Celtics had more than enough firepower. They began the season with three losses but have bounced back, winning three of their last four and seven of their last eleven games.