Boston, MA — The Celtics’ first game back at TD Garden after Thanksgiving ended in a 113-105 defeat to the struggling Nets, dropping Boston to 8-8. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles tear that could keep him out all season, star wing Jaylen Brown delivered a blunt post-game message.
“Come ready to play, or don’t play at all,” Brown said. “We just went through the motions today… We’ve got to come out and play with great energy, great enthusiasm, and want to win.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed the sentiment, noting that after the offseason trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis the club’s margin for error is “smaller” and demands consistent focus every night.
Maxey Carries Philadelphia
Just one day after Paul George called Tyrese Maxey “the heart and soul” of Philadelphia, the 24-year-old guard poured in a career-high 54 points with nine assists in the 76ers’ overtime win at Milwaukee. Maxey now tops the NBA in minutes per game (40.7) and sits second in scoring (33.4).
Meanwhile, team doctors say Joel Embiid is making “positive progress” as he continues to manage soreness in his right knee. Rookie center Adem Bona (right ankle sprain) will miss at least two more contests.
Demin Bounces Back in Brooklyn
Nets lottery pick Egor Demin was kept on the bench for the final 20 minutes of Tuesday’s loss in Boston after defensive lapses. Two nights later, he nailed a pivotal fourth-quarter three-pointer at TD Garden to help Brooklyn upset the Celtics. “He played so hard, and that’s why he earned the right to be out there,” head coach Jordi Fernández said. “He showed composure.”
Rajakovic Sparks Early Turnaround in Toronto
After winning 25 and 30 games in his first two seasons, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has guided Toronto to an 11-5 start, drawing early Coach of the Year buzz. The arrival of Brandon Ingram and an improved bench have boosted the offense, while Rajakovic has successfully incorporated Ingram’s isolation skills into his free-flowing system.
Boston’s need for urgency, Maxey’s scoring surge, encouraging medical news in Philadelphia, a key response from Demin, and Rajakovic’s strong start headline a busy week around the Atlantic Division.
Source: Hoops Rumors
