Porzingis, Scheierman lead short-handed Celtics over Nets

LOS ANGELES, United States — Kristaps Porzingis and rookie Baylor Scheierman stepped up as the NBA champion Boston Celtics shook off the absence of star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to beat the Brooklyn Nets, 104-96, on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time).

Porzingis connected on an efficient 9-of-13 shots from the floor on the way to a game-high 25 points.

In his second game back from an eight-game absence with a respiratory illness, Porzingis added 13 rebounds, a steal and three blocked shots.

Scheierman scored 12 of his career-high 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Celtics finally pulled away in a game in which they struggled to find their offensive footing without Brown and Tatum — both rested with nagging knee injuries.

It gave Scheierman a chance to shine, and he took it. He connected on seven of eight shots, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range.

His 3-pointer to end the third quarter sent Boston into the final period with a 71-70 lead.

The 30th pick in the NBA draft drilled back-to-back threes midway through the fourth that gave the Celtics a four-point lead they wouldn't relinquish.

"He's got a high level of toughness," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said of Scheierman, who received a huge ovation as he left the court at Boston's TD Garden arena.

"Probably a top-three environment I've ever been a part of," Scheierman said. "It's just special... the best sports town in the country, best city in the country."

The playoff-bound Celtics notched their 50th win of the season. They trail only the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, with a comfortable lead over the third-placed New York Knicks.

But Mazzulla said before the game that he wouldn't be taking the East's second seeding for granted over the final 13 games of the regular season.

"I don't think anything's locked up," Mazzulla said. "We need to win."