The Brooklyn Nets gave the reigning champs all they could handle on Friday night, keeping pace wire-to-wire with Boston before eventually falling short in

The Nets lost to the Celtics in overtime 108-104 in a game in which Boston did not get their first lead of the game until the fourth quarter. Cam Thomas had 31 points and three re

The Nets respect the Celtics and how they play but aren’t trying to emulate or imitate the reigning champs as much as beat them and carve out their own winning identity.