The Boston Celtics continued their impressive streak against the Brooklyn Nets on March 19, 2025, securing a 104-96 victory at TD Garden. This win marks the Celtics’ eighth consecutive regular-season triumph over the Nets, underscoring their dominance in this matchup. Rookie Baylor Scheierman shined as an unexpected hero, scoring a career-high 20 points, including a remarkable 13 in the decisive fourth quarter.
With star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown sidelined due to injuries, Scheierman seized the opportunity to step up in a significant way. He shot an impressive 6-of-7 from beyond the arc, showcasing his sharp shooting and contributing crucial points in the latter stages of the game. "Baylor Scheierman scored 13 of his career-high 20 points in the fourth quarter," noted the Associated Press, highlighting his pivotal role in the victory.
On the other end, Kristaps Porzingis also had a standout performance, contributing 25 points and 13 rebounds while controlling the paint effectively. Despite a sluggish start, he was integral to Boston's comeback, which saw them rally from a nine-point deficit. The Celtics’ ability to hold off the Nets in crunch time was a testament to their resilience, with Scheierman’s late-game explosion being a key factor.
The Celtics faced challenges early in the game, managing only 42 points in the first half at a mere 35.9 percent shooting rate. Yet, after halftime, they found their rhythm, especially in the third quarter, where they began chipping away at Brooklyn’s lead. Derrick White was instrumental in this surge, scoring 16 of his 18 points in the second half and helping orchestrate the Celtics' offensive plays.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Celtics shifted into high gear, outscoring Brooklyn 33-26. "The Celtics shot 11 for 20 in the fourth quarter," the report stated, emphasizing their resurgence after a lackluster first half. Scheierman’s performance was capped off by a deep three-pointer at the end of the third quarter which sent the Boston crowd into a frenzy and solidified their momentum heading into the final quarter.
For Brooklyn, D’Angelo Russell led the team with 18 points, but the Nets were unable to maintain their initial lead, which they had held earlier in the game after a layup from Tyrese Martin. Ziaire Williams added 15 points, while Cameron Johnson and Trendon Watford both contributed 11 points. The Nets had managed to snap a three-game losing streak prior to this matchup, but this loss put a damper on their hopes of building any real momentum.
The Celtics' record now stands at an impressive 50-19, marking a significant achievement as they push towards the playoffs. They showed they could adapt to the absence of key players and still maintain a competitive level. Looking ahead, the basketball community will be watching closely as Boston embarks on a challenging six-game road trip that begins in Utah on March 21, 2025.
This win against the Nets not only reinforces the Celtics’ dominance in this rivalry — they have won 18 of their last 19 games against Brooklyn, including postseason matchups — but it also illustrates the depth of their roster. With Scheierman finding his stride at just the right moment, the Celtics’ future looks bright as they aim to contend for the championship.
