Jayson Tatum scores 31 points, Celtics sizzle in 139-96 rout of Nets

BOSTON (AP) —Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and had nine rebounds and the BostonCeltics rolled to a 139-96 win over the short-handed Brooklyn Netson Wednesday night.

Jaylen Brownadded 26 points as both of Boston’s stars knocked down seven3-pointers in a game the Celtics never trailed and led by as manyas 49 points. Boston dominated on both ends of the floor, shooting60% through three quarters on the way to its largest victory of theseason.

“You can tellwe were ready to go from the jump,” Tatum said.

It marked theeighth time this season Tatum and Brown have each scored at least25 points in the same game.

RobertWilliams finished with 16 points and nine rebounds in his returnfrom a sprained ankle. Derrick White added 14 points and 10rebounds.

“They’rehungry,” Williams said of Tatum and Brown. “They’re still (upset)about last year.”

TheNBA-leading Celtics have won all three meetings with the Nets thisseason.

Tatum beganthe night second in the NBA while averaging 37.5 minutes per game.He played just over 29 on Wednesday and was able to sit most of thefourth quarter. Coach Joe Mazzulla said it was nice to get him somerest, but isn’t concerned about the load he has carried so far.

Tatum creditsteam trainer Nick Sang and the conversations they had since lastseason for helping him maintain his body this season.

“I feelgreat,” Tatum said. “My body feels so much better at this time thanit did last season.”

Kyrie Irvingscored 20 points and Cam Thomas added 19 for Brooklyn, whichstruggled throughout while shooting 41%, including 9 of 39 beyondthe arc. The Nets dropped to 4-7 since Kevin Durant sprained hisright knee on Jan. 8.

“It’s clearas day that they want to win the championship, and they’re notwasting any time in the regular season,” Irving said. “Tonight Ifelt like we were just one of those teams in the way, and you know,we just can’t be one of those teams in the way. We’ve got to be oneof those teams that stands up to them.”

Brooklyn hadmanaged to keep pace with Boston in the standings without Durantand through recent injuries to Ben Simmons (left knee soreness) andT.J. Warren (left shin contusion), who both sat for the thirdstraight game.

The Celticshad their entire rotation available except for Marcus Smart,sidelined for the fifth straight game as he recovers from hissprained right ankle. Boston took advantage, racing to a 33-7advantage as the Nets started just 2 of 14 from the field.

Irving missedfour of his first five shots as Boston’s crowd booed whenever hetouched the basketball, mirroring the treatment he received duringhis most recent visits to TD Garden.

Tatumfinished the quarter with 18 points, single-handedly outscoring theNets as Boston took a 46-16 edge into the second quarter. The30-point, first-quarter lead marked the first time in franchisehistory Boston outscored its opponent by 30 in the openingperiod.

The Celticsled 79-45 at halftime.

“This was anight where they hit first, they hit hard and it hurt,” Nets coachJacque Vaughn said.

TIP-INS

Nets: Shot 6of 21 (29%) in the first quarter. ... Neither Simmons nor Warrenmade the trip, but Vaughn said both are progressing and hope toreturn as soon as Saturday.

Celtics: Itwas Tatum’s 29th game this season with at least 30 points. ...Boston outscored the Nets 22-1 in fastbreak points in the firsthalf. ... Shot 18 of 29 (62%) in the first quarter, including 8 of11 from 3-point range. ... Former Patriots wide receiver JulianEdelman sat courtside.

UPNEXT

Nets: Openfive-game homestand Saturday against the Washington Wizards.

Celtics: Hostthe Phoenix Suns on Friday.