Boston Celtics produce historic shooting display to thrash Brooklyn Nets
The Boston Celtics recorded the most efficient shooting performance in NBA history as they dismantled the Brooklyn Nets 148-111 at TD Garden on Friday night.
Record-breaking efficiency
Joe Mazzulla’s side shot a season-high 66.7% from the floor, marking the franchise’s third-highest percentage in the shot clock era.
The hosts were particularly devastating from deep, converting 64.7% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
That accuracy resulted in an effective field goal percentage of 80.8%, establishing a new NBA record since statistics began tracking the metric in the 1954-55 season.
Effective field goal percentage adjusts shooting figures to account for the fact that three-point shots are worth more than two-pointers.
Vucevic and Brown dominance
Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Eastern Conference contenders, finishing with 28 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
He was ably supported by trade deadline acquisition Nikola Vucevic, who matched Brown’s 28-point tally.
The Montenegrin centre also secured 11 rebounds, registering his third double-double since arriving in Boston.
“I thought we just did a good job reading the game. I thought tonight Vooch [Vucevic] really looked comfortable in his offensive reads and his offensive screening. He unlocked a lot of stuff for us.”
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla
The dominance was a collective effort, with all 13 active players getting on the scoresheet.
Ball security was also paramount for the home side, who committed just three turnovers after halftime.
“We just try to read the game and take what’s there.”
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown
Tatum return on the horizon?
Attention now turns to Sunday’s clash with the Philadelphia 76ers, where star forward Jayson Tatum could make a long-awaited comeback.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined for 41 weeks after rupturing his right Achilles tendon during last season’s Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks.
Speculation regarding his return has intensified after the fixture was moved to a primetime television slot.
Boston are required to submit an initial injury report by 17:00 EST on Saturday.
The Celtics have been in formidable form even without their talisman, winning five of six games since the All-Star break to sit second in the East with a 39-20 record.