Nets vs Boston Celtics

Lore & Background

On February 10, 2022, the Nets sent superstar James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal, in return for Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, Ben Simmons, and two first-round picks. This trade ended the superteam era of the Nets. On April 2, 2022, the Nets clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. On April 12, the Nets clinched a playoff spot after winning the play-in game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs, they faced the Boston Celtics, losing the series 4–0. It was the second time in three seasons that the Nets were swept in the first round of the playoffs; in the 2020 playoffs, they were swept by the Toronto Raptors.

In Their Own Story

The air in Boston Garden was thick with humidity and anticipation in May 1976. Julius Erving hoisted the ball near half-court, his eyes locked on the rim as the crowd roared. He launched, soaring over the defensive line with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. The net snapped, silencing a fraction of the home crowd. It was more than a dunk; it was a statement that the Nets were no longer just visitors in the East's most storied arena. As he landed and turned back toward his bench, Erving knew this rivalry had just entered its most dangerous phase.

Reader's Guide

The Nets entered the draft holding one first-round pick and three second-round picks. The 44th overall pick was acquired on July 7, 2016, in a trade with the Indiana Pacers. The 49th overall pick was acquired on July 6, 2019, in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The 59th overall pick was acquired on July 20, 2018, in a trade with the Phoenix Suns. The Nets used their 27th overall pick to select Cam Thomas, and then selected Kessler Edwards (44th overall pick), Marcus Zegarowski (49th overall pick) and RaiQuan Gray (59th overall pick).

Did You Know?

• The Nets were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs, losing the series 4–0.
• It was the second time in three seasons that the Nets were swept in the first round of the playoffs; in the 2020 playoffs, they were swept by the Toronto Raptors.