The Nets lost to the Boston Celtics 100-97, marking three straight preseason losses. But that dreary report obscures clear progress that Jeremy Lin and company showed in their fourth preseason game. The Nets exhibited the ability to turn up the defense after giving up 121 points to Miami the previous game. And they did it against a resurgent Celtics franchise that is ranked 4th best in the NBA right now.
It was a game the Nets could have won, too, surrendering a lead in the final minute. But the team showed heart and hustle just to have that lead. After a defenseless third quarter in which Boston scored 30 points, Lin and the Nets rallied in the fourth. Balanced scoring from Booker, Lopez, Bogdanovic, Scola and Lin gave Nets fans reason to look forward. Boston shot just 41%. Lin had 12 points and seven assists.
