Celtics 130, Nets 126 (2OT)

 

WTF? It takes two OTs to beat the lowly (12-30) New York Nets? You needed a Jaylen Brown triple double (27 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists) to beat one of the worst in the NBA? You needed Hugo González to make a 24-foot three-pointer from the left corner in the last 0.4 second just to tie up the first OT? 

The Celtics led the Net in total three-pointers, 22-13, but lagged in rebounds, 58-41. Payton Pritchard's 32 points helped, but to win the game, the Celtics needed 18½ minutes from González and his 4-4 shooting, including 2-2 on threes (he also hit a three in the second period from the same spot as his tying shot in the first OT), his seven rebounds, and an assist, a steal, and a block from him. González wins games, and the Celtics' success or failure this season is directly proportional to his playing time.

The Celtics are 28-16 after this game, 1½ games ahead of the Knicks atop the Atlantic Division and 4½ games behind the Pistons in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown's 29.7 points per game is fourth highest in the NBA, and the Celtics' defense is third best in the league. 

The team travels to Chicago today (hopefully, ice storm permitting) to play the Bulls (22-22).