Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics: 3 matchups that will decide series

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets finally found out which team they will first have to overcome in their championship pursuit, as Jayson Tatum’s 50-point game against the Washington Wizards set up a matchup against the Boston Celtics, whom the Nets played well against earlier in the season. 

Overlooking Boston, even without Jaylen Brown, would be an egregious mistake. Tatum is still one of the best scorers in the game, and the presence of Brad Stevens on the sidelines will ensure that the Celtics will give the Nets a run for their money.

However, Brooklyn enters this series with a ton of momentum. James Harden is back from injury, the Nets have shown that the combination of their three superstars can translate into wins, and some of their role players are starting to step up at the perfect moment.

The Nets and Celtics will both have plenty of firepower they can use to take shots at one another, and that could make for some of the more interesting individual matchups you’ll find in any first-round playoff series.

These 3 matchups could determine if the Brooklyn Nets advance.

3. Kyrie Irving vs. Kemba Walker

He has struggled this season, but Walker proved against Washington that whenever he needs to turn back the clock and morph into the game-changer he was in Charlotte, he is more than willing to oblige. However, that might not be enough to save him from Irving’s wrath.

Irving has averaged 30.7 points in three games against the Celtics this season, showing that he is capable of taking his former teammates to school. With Walker essentially replacing Irving in Boston after a rocky two-year tenure there, Kyrie might have some extra motivation against him in this series.

Kyrie Irving needs to outscore Kemba Walker.

Both of these players get some unfair flack for their defensive acumen, but Irving and Walker will likely be taking turns trying to get buckets down the floor. Considering Irving is coming off of a 50/40/90 season, the Nets should feel confident leaning on him.

Kyrie will be playing in Boston for the first time this season with fans in the building. The chorus of boos he will hear upon his return will make the atmosphere here even more charged. If Irving can buckle down and focus on taking down Walker, the Nets should be able to score from the perimeter with regularity.