By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite the return of MVP Joel Embiid after two games, the Boston Celtics completely dominated and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 121-87 at home, as the series moved to Pennsylvania at 1-1.
Jaylen Brown led the winning side with 25 points, while Malcolm Brogdon added 23, the key for Joe Mazzulla’s team was the defense.
“I think we’ve just got to take more pride in ourselves. That’s it,” Brown said. “I just feel like we underperformed last game. We wanted to come out and play to the best of our ability. And that’s what we did.”
Marcus Smart and Grant Williams added 15 each, while Grant Williams scored 12 points. Jayson Tatum got only seven points and seven rebounds for 19 minutes spent on the court.
Boston limited a 76ers team that hit 17 3-pointers in its Game 1 win to just 6 of 30 from beyond the arc on Wednesday.
In his first game as MVP, Embiid scored 15 points for Philadelphia, with five blocks and three rebounds, while James Harden got 12 with ten boards, after heroics and a playoff career-high in a Game 1 victory. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 16 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 13.
“I felt pretty good to play, and I felt like I could help the team,” he said. “I feel like I just got this out the way. Disappointed by the loss. But that’s a step toward getting back to myself.”
The series will continue in Wells Fargo Center on the night between Friday and Saturday.