Winning Game 7 Requires Celtics Sticking with Identity That Puts Defense First

The Celtics only scored 95 points in Game 6 but nearly beat the Sixers by double digits on their home floor.

With their season on the line, the Celtics scored 95 points. Who would you think won if you knew that before Game 6 in Philadelphia?

Despite getting held below 100, Boston nearly won by double-digits, forcing a Game 7 with a 95-86 victory.

At the root of that was a stifling defense that held the Sixers to 36.1 percent shooting, including 8/34 (23.5 percent) from beyond the arc. 

As much as it's about complementary basketball, the defending Eastern Conference champions are at their best when their identity starts with their defense. 

Placing Robert Williams alongside Al Horford in the first unit leaned into that. 

The Time Lord's rim protection helped limit the hosts to 32 points in the paint. Knowing he's anchoring the back line of the Celtics' defense also gives their on-ball perimeter defenders the green light to play more aggressively. And Williams utilizes his length to close to the corners, fortifying Boston's three-point defense.

His impact was evident from the opening possession of Game 6. 

In the play above, Jayson Tatum goes under the first pick for James Harden, and when the former steps up, Joel Embiid flips the screen.

Having the proper pick-up point is crucial. Playing too deep in drop coverage has hurt the Celtics throughout this series. Coming too high up is also costly.

Here, Horford's in an ideal position, just below the screen, able to get a hand on Embiid. And with Tatum chasing Harden over the top of the pick, the lefty heads downhill toward his right. The two defenders involved in the screen-and-roll team up to make the idea of passing to Embiid ill-advised.

With Williams between Harden and P.J. Tucker and the former MVP's dominant hand to his inside, getting the ball to Tucker is his best option. Having someone in the dunker spot who's not a lob threat makes accomplishing that more difficult.

But Harden likely pulls it off if not for Jaylen Brown rotating to break up the pass, resulting in a turnover.

Here, Williams plays close enough to Embiid that even though the MVP's coming downhill with momentum, even the shove with his off-arm doesn't create much separation, and he picks up the ball in the middle of the paint.

When Embiid kicks the ball out to Tyrese Maxey, it's not the best closeout from Malcolm Brogdon, but it runs the speedy guard off the three-point line. When the former Kentucky Wildcat gets into the lane, the Time Lord comes off Embiid to contest his floater. That causes Maxey to short-arm his shot. You can see his right arm is nearly straight up in the air as he releases the ball, which ricochets off the front rim.

Another critical component to Boston's success in Game 6 and is crucial to winning on Sunday is Horford's defense against Embiid. 

Below, those two are on an island, which backfires against Philadelphia, as Williams being by the basket dissuades the Sixers' star center from driving. And even with Jaylen Brown stunting, the hosts' spacing and lack of activity allow Tatum and Marcus Smart to account for multiple opposition members.

Horford wins the one-on-one battle, and after nearly committing an up-and-down, Embiid launches a jumper that misses the mark.

Lastly, another example of stellar team defense: Williams' pick-up point puts him in a position to challenge Harden at the three-point line and play the drive. The Time Lord defends the latter and the passing lane, flipping his hips as the ten-time All-Star attacks downhill.

Smart then makes what's equal parts bold decision and a great read, jumping the pass, leading to a turnover.

The Celtics picked an ideal time to have one of their best defensive performances this season.

Doing so while shooting well from beyond the arc -- save for going 1/7 on threes in the third quarter -- kept them in the game, buying time before Tatum, a day after earning All-NBA First Team honors for the second-straight year, propelled them across the finish line.

For Boston, who's 7-9 in its last 16 home games, to protect the parquet, rather than the hosts hoping they shoot their way to victory, the Celtics' defense being at the forefront of their identity, locking in regardless of how well they're shooting, is their best path to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Issues Challenge to Celtics Fans: 'When the Garden Gets Going, There's Nothing Like it'

Celtics Praise Joe Mazzulla for Game 6 Adjustments That Helped Save Their Season

Celtics Discuss Jayson Tatum Rising to the Occasion, Forcing a Game 7

Here's What Stood Out in Game 6 Win vs. Sixers: Jayson Tatum's 16 Fourth Quarter Points Saves Celtics' Season

Celtics Share Their Perspective on Failing to Meet the Moment in Game 5 Loss to Sixers

Joe Mazzulla Explains Why He Didn't Take a Timeout in Celtics' Game 4 Loss to Sixers

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 3 Win vs. Sixers: Boston Shows Its Championship-Mettle, Takes 2-1 Series Lead

Celtics Praise Jaylen Brown for Setting Tone in Game 2 Win vs. Sixers: 'It's as Good of a Game as I've Ever Seen Him Play'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 2 Win vs. Sixers: Renewed Defensive Commitment, Three-Point Barrage Even the Series

Film Room: Recalibrating Celtics' Defense for Game 2 Against Sixers