Nets’ Late-Game Struggles Persist in Crushing Defeat Against Celtics
The Brooklyn Nets faced another disheartening defeat, falling 113-99 to the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on November 18, 2025. Despite an early nine-point lead, they struggled to close out the game, continuing their late-game issues.
Nets’ Late-Game Struggles Contribute to Defeat
The Nets opened strong, but a significant drop-off in performance capped by a long scoring drought sealed their fate. After a 3-pointer from Michael Porter Jr. put the Nets up early in the fourth quarter, they would not score again until late in the game, enabling the Celtics to pull away with an 18-3 run.
Key Game Statistics
- Final Score: Celtics 113, Nets 99
- Date: November 18, 2025
- Nets’ Season Record: 2 wins, 12 losses
- Nets’ Home Record: 0 wins, 7 losses
- Longest Home Losing Streak: Matched franchise record from 2009-10
This loss marked a new low for the Nets, matching their longest home losing streak in franchise history. Last time it led them to draft Derrick Favors, and they hope for better results this time as they enter their second consecutive rebuilding year.
Individual Performances
- Michael Porter Jr.: 25 points, 6 rebounds
- Nic Claxton: 13 points
- Rookie Egor Demin: Strong performance from beyond the arc in the first half
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics): 29 points, including 17 in the third quarter
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for Brooklyn. Rookie Egor Demin showed promise with his shooting, keeping the game competitive in the first half. However, they lacked consistent firepower, a gap highlighted by the performance of Boston’s Jaylen Brown, who soared despite the absence of their star player, Jayson Tatum, due to injury.
The Nets will need to regroup quickly. With only the Pacers and Wizards posting worse records, finding a way to build on the positives while addressing their late-game struggles will be crucial as the season progresses.
