It was no artistic success but it was a 98-95 win for the Boston Celtics over the Brooklyn Nets Friday night. No Isaiah Thomas in the lineup seemed to mess the heads of everybody.

Thomas sat because of a bruised knee. He is not expected to play Sunday either when the C's play the 76ers.

Jae Crowder and Al Horford stepped up late in the game. Gerald Green off the bench helped the cause.  Crowder had 24 points and a dozen rebounds. Horford had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Green came off the bench to add 11.

Still the pesky Nets had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer with a three-point shot but missed.

The Celts sneak out with the victory and move to 44-25.

In some ways, beating the Nets is a double win for Boston. Keep in mind, the Celtics get their #1 draft pick and the more losses the Nets have, the highest percentage the Celts have of getting that pick.

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