The Celtics trailed after a 111-97 loss as Philadelphia tied the series 1-1 on the road, with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe combining for 59 points, as reported by beat writers covering the game.
VJ Edgecombe led the 76ers with 30 points on 12-for-20 shooting, and Tyrese Maxey added 29 points and nine assists, as reported. The 76ers made 19 of 39 three-point attempts after hitting just four of 23 from long range in Game 1, as reported.
Boston was paced by Jaylen Brown with a game-high 36 points and Jayson Tatum was the only other Celtic in double figures with 19 points, as reported. The Celtics shot 39.3 percent overall and finished 13-for-50 on three-pointers, as reported, while committing 13 turnovers.
Philadelphia’s defense tightened in the second half, holding Boston to 43 points after halftime and limiting the Celtics to 39 percent shooting for the game, as reported. The Sixers’ increased willingness to shoot from distance and Maxey’s late baskets separated the teams down the stretch, as reported.
Series Implications And Team Responses
The loss exposed offensive lapses for the Celtics, with the team failing to execute its usual attack. Jay King, the Celtics beat writer, pointed to missed threes, a blocked shot on Jaylen Brown while he tried to beat the shot clock, an offensive foul on a drive, and miscues by Jayson Tatum and Derrick White as key turning points, as reported.
On the other side, Tony Jones, the Sixers beat writer, said the performance represented the type of focused basketball Philadelphia needs to extend the series. Jones noted Maxey and Edgecombe must continue to dominate guard matchups, Paul George needs to deter Boston’s stars, and role players must sustain improved play, as reported. The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday, as reported.
