5 takeaways as Kyrie Irving and the Nets pull away late from Celtics

The Boston Celtics fell apart late against the Brooklyn Nets in their first game back from the All-Star break, dropping their first loss in the last five games 121-109.

Here’s what transpired.

The big picture

The Celtics hung with perhaps the best team in the Eastern Conference for three quarters despite immense struggles from Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker, but even without Kevin Durant, the Nets just had too much firepower down the stretch.

Star of the game

Kyrie Irving – 40 points, 15-for-23 shooting, 5-for-8 from three, 8 rebounds, 3 assists

Irving’s stat line was excellent by itself, but he also buried the Celtics with key shots down the stretch, including a big 3-pointer with 3:15 remaining…