The game and the series were never in serious doubt.
The depleted Boston Celtics maintained a sliver of hope of emerging with a victory over the Nets on Tuesday by initially keeping the score close in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series. But, in quick and devastating succession, the Nets crushed any ambition the Celtics had left. That’s what can happen when you have stars like these:
Kevin Durant opened the salvos with a 3-point shot midway through the fourth quarter.
Kyrie Irving buried one on the Nets’ following possession.
Next, James Harden followed with one of his own.