NEW YORK — Even though he tied a career high by scoring 31 points before halftime, Jayson Tatum wasn't tempted to chase a huge number.
He's had big scoring nights before. He's after an NBA championship, and can only get that with all his teammates.
Tatum had 41 points and 14 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics won their fifth straight game by beating the Brooklyn Nets 118-110 on Tuesday night in the opener of a home-and-home series.
Tatum had his 25th 40-point game in the regular season, with a career high of 60.