Celtics vs Nets, final score: Boston tops Brooklyn 100-86 in preseason finale

The Boston Celtics wrapped up their preseason schedule with their second straight win over the Brooklyn Nets, led by Jared Sullinger's 15 points and 17 rebounds. Rookie Marcus Smart scored a game high 16 points and chipped in 4 assists with a pair of steals.

Despite the Nets regular starters being absent from the game due to injuries or rest, Boston was unable to take advantage of Brooklyn's B-Team early, as the team's played to a stalemate in the first quarter. Mason Plumlee kept the Nets in the game through the first quarter, scoring 8 of his team high 15 points in the opening frame, while pulling down 4 of his team high 11 boards. Jeff Green countered with 6 points in the quarter and added an impressive chase down block that got the crowd pumped up and infused some energy into the TD Garden.

The Celtics broke out in the second quarter with a 12-2 run that helped them build up a 14-point halftime lead. James Young made his return to the court for the first time since injuring his hamstring in the preseason opener. He checked in for the first time at about the 8:45 mark of the second quarter and didn't wait around long to take his first shot - draining a 3-pointer. With most of the starters playing limited minutes, Young played a career-high 26 minutes, finishing with 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting. Clearly he has some rust to shake off, but it was good to see him get some quality minutes and he's not shy about getting his shot off when he finds himself open.

Boston increased their lead to 23 at one point in the 3rd quarter, before an 8-0 run got the Nets back to within 15 mid-way through the third quarter. They would end the quarter trailing by 16, preventing Boston from opening up much more of a lead in the second half.

Boston finishes the preseason with a 5-3 record, while averaging 95 points per game.

Brooklyn won four of their other preseason games, only to be swept in both games against the Celtics. The teams will meet again next Wednesday in the regular season opener.

The exhibition is over. Now the games start to count.