By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The celebrations for the game-winning three-pointer by Jayson Tatum were nearly cut short but the Boston Celtics, leaders of the Eastern Conference, collected the win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Wells Fargo Center.
Joel Embiid ended up with 41 points to go with 12 rebounds and five assists plus three blocks, despite making a shot from his own side’s end of the court. Failing to release in time and beat the buzzer in the latest edition of NBA Saturdays, the 70-foot screamer did not count.
“Unfortunately, the story of my life,” reacted the Cameroonian superstar, who also holds French and American citizenship, “It didn’t count and we lost the game. It’s frustrating.”
Tatum, 24, was enough for the Celtics to edge out the Atlantic Division rivals. Capping a great inbound play, his triple from the top of the key left 1.3 seconds on the clock. But time ran out before Embiid can send the thriller into overtime.
“I turned around. I didn’t even want to see it. I am glad it didn’t count,” admitted the 24-year-old forward of the Celtics. He finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and one block.
Joe Mazzulla’s side improved to 44-17, carrying a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting in the second spot of the Eastern Conference table.
In third place, the Sixers failed to hold on to a 15-point lead in the third quarter and eventually running out of time forced them to 39-20, four games behind the Bucks.
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