On April 26, Beijing time, the Celtics defeated the Nets 116-112 away from home, thus sweeping the opponent 4-0 to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals. Durant had 39 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, but his offensive efficiency remained average, shooting 13-of-31. Irving had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, and his performance was also below his personal average.
The Nets set multiple stigma records. Since last year's G3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Bucks, the Nets have only won 1-8 in their last nine playoff games, with the only win being G5 against the Bucks in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals. According to statistics, coupled with two consecutive defeats in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, Durant has suffered six consecutive playoff losses.
The four-game difference between the two teams in this series is only 18 points (four games are 1, 7, 6 and 4 points), which is the third closest series in the series that has been swept in history. Durant and Irving were both swept away for the first time in their careers. The Nets were also the only team to be swept away in the first round.
Celtic Tatum had 29 points and five assists, Smart had 20 points, five rebounds and 11 assists, and Jaylen Brown had 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Us media StatMuse listed the data, this season when Harden is not on the floor, Irving and Durant led the team with a record of 9 wins and 10 losses, and the playoffs 0 wins and 4 losses.
It was a dismal season for the Nets, with the team originally owning the luxury big three, but Irving's reluctance to vaccinate became the fuse that ruined everything. Harden gradually became dissatisfied with Irving and the team, and finally took the initiative to ask for a trade. Simmons, who had been replaced by the Nets, was unable to play, and the Nets were swept by the Green Army in the first round.
Durant and Irving are players who have experienced a lot of big scenes, and they did not immediately enter the dressing room after the game, but greeted and hugged the Green Army players.
We saw Owen meet and hug some of his old friends in the Celtics and smile. Durant was expressionless, with a serious face when he hugged. Durant deliberately hugged Tatum. In this series, Tatum played superstar performances. Tatum had 29 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists, and Durant had 39 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 1 steal. In this series, Tatum averaged 29.5 points, 7.3 assists and 1.8 steals against the Nets, shooting 41.9% from three points.
The Nets are dismally out, the team needs to adjust in the offseason, and the whereabouts of coach Nash have become a major topic and rushed to the hot search. However, according to previous US media reports, the Nets are unlikely to fire Nash. Next season's Nets will be tough because Irving and Simmons are now two thorns.