Jayson Tatum on Keeping Joel Embiid in Check: ‘As Tough as It Is Every Year'

The Boston Celtics fell to 5-2 on the season with back-to-back losses after the 76ers defeated them in Philadelphia Wednesday night. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown only combined for 27 points on 10-27 from the field, while the latter struggled for most of the game.

Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White seemed to be the only ones who had it going for the visitors. Porzingis had 29 points, scoring double-digits in the fourth quarter, and White registered 19 in his return after missing Boston's last two matchups, with him and his family welcoming their second child.

Just like the Celtics' last game, it was their opponent who seemed to control momentum for most of the contest. Boston shot better than Philadelphia from three, though the Sixers ultimately had more success from the field. Boston went down 15 in the final frame but staged an improbable 10-0 run to give itself a chance to steal the victory.

But Joel Embiid, backing down Tatum, who he has had so many signature moments with, hit a fall-away jumper in front of the Celtics' bench, helping the hosts seal a 106-103 win.

The reigning MVP was a lot to handle, as he is every night. Boston's approach to guarding him in the beginning of the game was a little different with Al Horford now coming off the bench, as Jrue Holiday took those duties in the opening minutes. Holiday was not doing a bad job, either.

"It's as tough as it is every year," Tatum said post-game, talking about trying to contain Embiid. "He's a hell of a player, he's always gonna make it tough on you. It's our job to guard him as a unit, as a team."

"It's our job to guard him as a unit, as a team"

Jayson Tatum on the challenges of defending Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/mvSyoqgcIB
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 9, 2023

Along with having Holliday or Horford guard the 76ers star center, who finished with 27 points, Boston showed a lot of doubles and switches. Tatum, as he has in the past with the experience of working out with Embiid, also took on that task.

"Push out (his) catches, you know, he just can't be comfortable," the four-time All-Star said. "He's gonna make some shots, but you know, we just gotta keep defending as a group."

The Sixers got their revenge from the blown 3-2 series lead against the C's in the East Semifinals back in May. They host them again next Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center.

Boston's next chance to bounce back and regain momentum after two straight losses will be on Friday. The Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets for their first In-Season Tournament game. They then welcome the Toronto Raptors to TD Garden on Saturday night.

Further Reading

Kristaps Porzingis Assesses Celtics Last Attempt in Loss to 76ers

Celtics Enamored with Threes That Don't Love Them Back in Loss vs. 76ers

Examining What Went Wrong for Celtics' Offense in Loss vs. Timberwolves

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Suffer First Loss This Season in OT Tilt vs. Timberwolves

Jayson Tatum Discusses the Bond Between Him and the City He Stars In

From Self Doubt to Celtics History, Jayson Tatum Discusses Journey to 10,000 Points: 'I Didn't Think I Was Good Enough'

Jrue Holiday Discusses Celtics' Offense and Their Mindset: 'That's How Most People Like to Play Basketball'

Here's Where Jaylen Brown Impressed Joe Mazzulla the Most in Celtics' Win vs. Heat

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative