The Nets Aren’t Unbeatable, but It’s OK to Be Impressed

The Boston Celtics tried in their first-round series but were too depleted to compete. The Nets’ next opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks, may have a better shot.

The game and the series were never in serious doubt. The depleted Boston Celtics maintained a sliver of hope of emerging with a victory over the Nets on Tuesday by initially keeping the score close in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series. But, in quick and devastating succession, the Nets crushed any ambition the Celtics had left. That’s what can happen when you have stars like these: Kevin Durant opened the salvos with a 3-point shot midway through the fourth quarter.