NBA roundup: Celtics dominate from outset in rout of Nets, 139-96

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and had nine rebounds, and the Boston Celtics rolled to a 139-96 win over the undermanned Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.

Jaylen Brown added 26 points as both Boston stars slammed down seven 3-pointers in a game in which the Celtics were never behind and led by as much as 49 points. Boston dominated at both ends of the floor, shooting 60% through three quarters en route to their biggest win of the season.

Robert Williams finished with 16 points and nine rebounds on his return from a sprained ankle. Derrick White added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Celtics, leaders of the Eastern Conference, have won all three meetings with the Nets this season.

Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Cam Thomas added 19 for Brooklyn, who struggled all along while shooting 41%, including 9 of 39 over the arc. The Nets fell to 4-7 after Kevin Durant sprained his right knee on Jan. 8.

Brooklyn had managed to keep up with Boston overall without Durant and with recent injuries to Ben Simmons (left knee) and TJ Warren (left shin contusion), both of whom were seated for their third straight game.

The Celtics had their entire rotation available with the exception of Marcus Smart, who was sidelined for the fifth straight game while recovering from his sprained right ankle. Boston capitalized on the advantage, forging a 33-7 lead as the Nets started the game with just 2 of 14 from the field.

Irving missed four of his first five shots as Boston crowds booed every time he touched the basketball, mirroring the treatment he’d received on his recent visits to TD Garden.

Tatum finished the quarter with 18 points, single-handedly beating the Nets as Boston went into the second quarter 46-16. The 30-point lead marked the first time in franchise history that Boston had so far outstripped its opponent in the opening quarter.

The Celtics led 79-45 at halftime.

76ERS 105, MAGIC 94: Joel Embiid had 28 points and 11 rebounds, James Harden added 26 points and 10 assists, and Philadelphia won at home.

The Sixers shared the home-and-home set with Orlando this week. The Magic stormed back from a 21-point deficit in the first quarter, beating the 76ers 119-109 Monday night. That loss ended the 76ers’ seven-game winning streak.

Despite uneven moments against a young, burgeoning Magic team, the Sixers stabilized late and improved to 20-8 at home.

Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 18 points

Embiid, the NBA leader, made all 10 of his free throws and was 9 of 17 off the field to help keep the Sixers within striking distance of the Eastern Conference leaders. Harden hit six of Philadelphia’s 14 3-pointers.

SIGNPOSTS 122, GRIZZLIES 112: Damian Lillard had 42 points and 10 assists, Anfernee Simons added 26 points and Portland rallied for a win in Memphis.

Jerami Grant scored 18 points in the first half before leaving with concussion symptoms. Portland beat Memphis 38-22 in the fourth quarter, winning for the fourth time in five games.

Yes Morant had 32 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds for Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points and six blocks, and Desmond Bane had 17 points.

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