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Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 3 Win vs. Sixers: Boston Shows Its Championship-Mettle, Takes 2-1 Series Lead
The more times you experience playing high-intensity, stressful games in hostile environments, the more comfortable you get.
The Celtics have gone to the Eastern Conference Finals three times in the five years Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have partnered, including performing on the NBA's brightest stage last season.
Going through the challenges Boston's dealt with to accomplish as much as it has builds resolve. That was on full display Friday.
Physical point-of-attack defense, taking away James Harden's airspace, then challenging him at the rim, caused the former MVP to wilt. The three-time scoring champion finished with 16 points on 14 field-goal attempts and frequently passed up open shots, including from inside the paint.
And while Joel Embiid finished with 30 points on the night that he received his MVP award, Joe Mazzulla's cycling through coverages against the Sixers' star center, putting defenders ranging from Al Horford to Grant Williams, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart on him, translated to Embiid scoring only four points in the final frame. Horford and Williams were especially effective against him.
Tatum and Brown combined for 50 points at the other end, leading an aggressive attack through a physical defense.
And with role players stepping up as the latter picked up his fifth foul and injuries tested the Celtics' depth, they reinforced they're not fazed by playing in a hostile environment, outscoring the hosts 14-6 in the final 3:30.
Now, a deep dive into what stood out in Boston's 114-102 win over Philadelphia, taking a 2-1 series lead and regaining home-court advantage.
1. Boston jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the early going, challenging shots and turning stops into an up-tempo attack. Whether off the dribble or with a pass, the visitors got the ball in and around the paint and kept it moving to create open looks.
The Celtics started the game 5/5 from the field, including 4/4 from three. And in an encouraging sign, Jayson Tatum registered eight of his team's first ten points. Even better, he did it within the flow of the offense rather than forcing the issue.
2. Generally, it's easier to create a quality field goal attempt earlier in the shot clock. But there's a stark contrast between doing that and chucking threes. After building a double-digit lead, Boston did the latter too many times, fueling an 11-0 Sixers run.
That and improved on-ball defense paved the way for Philadelphia taking a 29-28 lead into the second frame despite committing seven turnovers and the visitors having a 10-0 advantage in points off giveaways.
But that one-point edge proved short-lived due De'Anthony Melton (inadvertently) kicking the ball into the stands, an automatic technical that translated to Tatum tying the game at the free-throw line before the second quarter got underway. The four-time All-Star had a team-high ten points after the first 12 minutes.
3. The defense from both sides was excellent in a particularly physical second frame. Even with the long-time rivals trading threes on their last possessions, neither team cracked 30 points in the period.
The difference was the Celtics won on the margins. A 4-0 edge in second-chance production helped them generate ten paint points to the Sixers' six. And with the visitors having more success attacking downhill, they took and, more importantly, made seven free throws while limiting the hosts to going 3/3 at the stripe.
That translated to Boston leading 57-50 after 24 minutes.
4. Led by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics continued doing an outstanding job against James Harden in the first half. The former MVP went 1/7 with eight points, scoring only three in the second quarter.
The combination of physical point-of-attack defense and challenging him at the rim prevented him from finding his rhythm, resulting in Harden passing up multiple shots.
5. As for Philadelphia's star center, Joel Embiid was moving better on Friday than Wednesday and registered 14 points in the first half after manufacturing 15 in Game 2.
Still, he understandably had an easier time with short-area bursts than when he had to cover more ground. His rim protection, best reflected by his three blocks, is a testament to that.
But even with Embiid putting 14 points on the board, Al Horford did an excellent job on him, especially in the second quarter, limiting the newly minted MVP to two points on 1/4 shooting.
6. This is a Grant Williams series! As detailed in a regular-season film study, the former Tennessee Volunteer effectively executes what's asked of him against Embiid, utilizing his strength, mobility, and basketball IQ to stay in front of the six-time All-Star, pressuring him without fouling and often forcing the latter to settle for mid-range jumpers, which the Celtics will live with.
Williams also demonstrated he's comfortable when having to switch off Embiid, including when picking up Tyrese Maxey. And his effort on the glass helped limit the hosts to one offensive rebound and one second-chance point in a third frame he played nearly seven minutes in.
7. Grant Williams played well in the third quarter; Jaylen Brown was outstanding. After registering 11 points in the first half, he continued getting into the paint with regularity, showing off his improved handles and finishing ability.
The two-time All-Star, who deserves an All-NBA nod, attacked any defender in his way, especially Harden. There was also an instance where he brought the ball out to the right corner, then beat Embiid off the dribble for a reverse layup through contact.
Brown registered a team-best ten points in the period and locked down Harden, who went scoreless and only attempted two shots in a frame he was in for 8:12.
His stellar two-way play paced Boston to an 88-77 lead entering the final 12 minutes.
8. Brown picking up his fifth foul, Grant Williams getting his head stepped on (accidentally, obviously) by Embiid as the latter landed and the former was on the ground, and Robert Williams suffering a right-forearm contusion, which, even though he didn't, the Celtics said he was available to return after sustaining, tested the visitors' depth.
Malcolm Brogdon stepped up, drilling a three and dishing out three assists in the final frame while also playing effective defense to limit Maxey's impact.
Boston also got clutch plays from its starters. Marcus Smart poked a long rebound out of Maxey's hands, leading to a Horford three, putting the defending Eastern Conference champions ahead 103-96 with 3:25 left.
And with Brown on the bench, Tatum was exceptional. He generated ten points in the fourth quarter and helped the Celtics limit the Sixers to 25 points as his team closed out a 114-102 win, taking a 2-1 series lead and regaining home-court advantage.
Up Next
Game 4 between the Celtics and Sixers is Sunday at Wells Fargo Center; tip-off is at 3:30 p.m. EST. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the matchup before, during, and afterward. And follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.
Further Reading
Joe Mazzulla Shares His Perspective on Balancing What's Working with Need for Adjustments
Film Room: Recalibrating Celtics' Defense for Game 2 Against Sixers
Celtics Address Letting Guard Down in Game 1 Loss to Sixers Team Missing Joel Embiid
