The Boston Celtics were aware of the significance of Game 5 with a genuine sense of urgency in the second half to defeat the 76ers.
The Boston Celtics, who were aware of the significance of Game 5, played with a genuine sense of urgency in the second half to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 101-85 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. When the series is tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 advances 83% of the time, which means the 76ers are now in serious trouble. Even though they were down at the break, the Celtics used their size in the paint to intimidate the Sixers, drawing 23 fouls from them. Both teams made 36 field goals, but the 76ers were 10-of-16 (62%), while the Celtics went 26-of-33 (78%) from the charity stripe.
Joel Embiid, who suffered a sprained LCL in his right knee during Game 3 of Philadelphia’s first-round sweep of Brooklyn, was absent from the 76ers’ lineup. During the regular season, Embiid averaged 33.1 points per game, which led the NBA. Tatum had 39 points and 11 rebounds to lead the second-seeded Celtics. Malcolm Brogdon scored 20 points, and Jaylen Brown contributed 23 for Boston. For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey added 26 points, and Reed contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds. 17 out of the Celtics’ 18 free-throw attempts were successful. Philadelphia made all 12 of its free throw attempts.
The Philadelphia 76ers knew they needed James Harden to have a strong game after Joel Embiid was ruled out for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics. They received that. The 76ers unexpectedly took a 1-0 series lead after Harden played well in Game 1, tying a playoff career-high with 45 points on an effective 17-of-30 shooting. With 4:37 remaining in the first quarter, Boston was down 19-13 but went on an 11-0 run to take a 24-19 lead.
Read more: Jalen Brunson Net Worth 2023, Earnings, Endorsements
The Celtics had a 38-31 advantage going into the second period after making 17 of their 20 field goal attempts. 14 out of Boston’s first 15 field goal attempts were successful. With 3:31 left in the second, the Celtics were up 62-50, their largest lead, but Philadelphia finished the first half on a 13-4 run and trailed 66-63 at the break. At the start of the final 12 minutes, the score was tied, 87-87. On Wednesday night in Boston, Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be played. In four games this season against Boston Celtics. Embiid who has historically been a thorn in the Boston Celtics’ side, averaged a staggering 36.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, including a 41-point performance in February. He had a 52-point, 13-rebound outburst in their most recent meeting on April 4.
The MVP front-runner missed Game 1 due to a knee injury he sustained in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets. While there is hope he will be able to play in Game 2 on Wednesday at TD Garden, Harden is optimistic the 76ers will be able to repeat their feat. Harden turned back the clock with some signature finishes at the rim and, of course, his patented stepback 3-pointer, giving the 76ers what they needed with his first 40-point game in a 76ers uniform — and his first in two years.
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Follow Us
