Celtics vs. Nets recap: Joe Johnson, Deron Williams struggle shooting in preseason loss

With their top seven players on the bench, the Brooklyn Nets eked out a win on Tuesday night in Boston. On Thursday, the Celtics traveled south for the second game at the Barclays Center, and with both teams playing their best five for much of the game, Brooklyn took it on the chin in a 115-85 loss.

Avery Johnson opted to rest his starting five in the first leg of the preseason home-and-home series at TD Garden, but both Joe Johnson and Deron Williams played more than 30 minutes on Thursday. Johnson finished four of 14 from the floor for just 11 points, while Williams was two of eight for 10 points. Brook Lopez led all Brooklyn scorers with 14, and the newly re-signed center also pulled down nine rebounds.

Andray Blatche is one bench player who has impressed early in the preseason, and he abused Jared Sullinger in the post at times earlier this week. He added eight points and nine boards off the bench. But as a team, the Nets had no real offensive rhythm, shooting just 37 percent from the floor.

The Celtics, on the other hand, were a model of offensive efficiency with seven players in double figures. Paul Pierce torched the Nets in both games this week, and he was a perfect four for four from three-point range to lead the C's with 18 points.. Jason Terry also did not miss from outside, hitting all five threes he took.

The Nets will come right back on Friday night for another preseason game at the Barclays Center, as the Philadelphia 76ers will make their first visit to Brooklyn.