It took 50 points from Jayson Tatum and heroics from Celtics' supporting cast to defeat Nets in Game 3

The Brooklyn Nets lost their first game of the 2021 NBA playoffs at TD Garden in Game 3 on Friday night . Jayson Tatum's 50 points led the way for Boston while James Harden carried the scoring load for Brooklyn with 41, while Durant added 39.

The Nets jumped out to an early 19-4 advantage and appeared on their way to a 3-0 series lead, but the Celtics came back to retake the lead at 33-32 at the end of the first quarter.

▫️ @Jharden13 and @KDTrey5 become the first pair of Nets teammates with 30+ points in a playoff game since Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson in 2006 pic.twitter.com/nveWKMIMix

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 29, 2021

Kyrie Irving had only 16 points and looked gunshy and ineffective until key moments in the fourth quarter. The two teams will do battle again on Sunday in Beantown as Brooklyn will look to bounce back from the setback.