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Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics overwhelmed division rival Brooklyn to consolidate their place on the NBA Eastern Conference standings.
The Celtics lead 46-16 after the first period at TD Garden on Thursday (AEDT), with Tatum dominating the visitors with 18 points.
It tied for Boston’s best points differential in any quarter during the shot clock era beginning in 1954.
The Celtics maintained a lead of more than 30 points throughout the second half, reaching a game-best margin of 49 in a 139-96 overall victory.
Tatum, who finished with 31 points, was supported by Jaylen Brown (26) and Robert Williams III (16).
Tatum and Brown each scored 25 or more points in the same game for the 27th time this season. It was the most All-Star pairing before his break in NBA history.
Melbourne-born guard Kyrie Irving was the Nets’ top scorer with 20 points against his former team. Patty Mills, meanwhile, had four points, two assists and one stolen base in nearly his 18 minutes on the court.
The Celtics’ big victory came after splitting overtime into two games, extending their record to 37-15 before leaving Brooklyn 31-20.
“After the last few games, we went into overtime…a few days off went well,” Tatum told ESPN.
“We were just refreshed, locked in and ready from the start.
“Obviously we shot, but we had great intentions throughout the game.”
Damian Lillard made NBA history with 42 points and 10 assists in Portland’s 122-112 win over Memphis.
It was Lillard’s 15th career game with 40-plus points and 10-plus assists, fifth-most all-time.
Ja Morant has 32 points and 12 assists for the Grizzlies.
The NBA postponed Detroit’s home game against Washington after the Pistons were unable to return home from Dallas.
Dates for the rescheduled games have yet to be confirmed.
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