Boston Celtics stunned by Nets: 3 takeaways from shocking defeat

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 3: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on March 3, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Fourth quarter meltdown

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens called the loss a “humbling one” following the game Tuesday night.

After going toe-to-toe with the top teams in the league over the past couple weeks, Tuesday night showed the Celtics that they can’t just step on the court and win against the lesser teams. It also showed they can’t take their pedal off the gas.

With an 18-point lead, the Celtics gave the Brooklyn Nets hope.

Whether an “anomaly” or not, letting a player like Caris LeVert go off for 37 points in the fourth quarter and overtime is inexcusable even without their core four of Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward.

While the game really shouldn’t have come down to those 5 points the Nets scored in the final 10 seconds of regulation, the meltdown was uncharacteristic, especially on the final 3-pt attempt in which Marcus Smart fouled LeVert on a last-second three-point heave.

In all, an embarrassing loss for the Boston Celtics, especially as they continue to chase the Toronto Raptors for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

With health a concern once again, this team can’t afford to lose games they have well in hand.

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