3 keys for Boston Celtics to beat Brooklyn Nets in In-Season Tournament | November 10, 2023

Among the 13 games on the NBA in-season tournament schedule Friday, many will likely tune in to watch the Boston Celtics take on the Brooklyn Nets. Jayson Tatum and Co. will be looking to get back on track following a nail-biting loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Heading into this matchup, both the Celtics and Nets are well-placed in the Eastern Conference. Boston sits in second place with a record of 5-2, with Brooklyn in sixth at 4-4.

As the Celtics attempt to get back in the win column on their home floor, here are some keys to victory for the opening round matchup.

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Keys to victory for Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets

#1 Containing the 3-point barrage

If the Boston Celtics want to take down the Brooklyn Nets, they'll need to contain them from beyond the arc.

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Nets have been one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the league. Brooklyn is fifth in the NBA in 3-point percentage and in attempts per game, making it a focal point of their offense.

Joe Mazzulla is going to rely heavily on Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to defend on the perimeter and slow down this barrage of shots from beyond the arc.

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#2 Getting Jaylen Brown going

The Boston Celtics clearly have more star power than the Brooklyn Nets. That said, they'll need production from their top players if they're going to secure a victory on Friday.

In their last game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jaylen Brown finished with 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting from the floor. That level of production is unacceptable from a star of his caliber.

Heading into the matchup against Brooklyn, Boston needs to make it a point of emphasis to get Brown going early. Getting a big night out of him will drastically increase their chances of winning.

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#3 Getting downhill early and often

The Brooklyn Nets will be without starting center Nic Claxton due to an ankle injury on Friday night. With Brooklyn's top rim protector on the sidelines, the Boston Celtics should look to attack the rim early and often.

Along with urging Brown and Jayson Tatum to attack the rim, Kristaps Porzingis should also look to do damage in the post.

Ben Simmons is currently listed as questionable against the Celtics. If he doesn't suit up, the Nets will only have one player over 6-foot-9 at their disposal. Boston isn't the jumbo-sized team they used to be, but they still have the size and length to exploit a weaknees like this.