Celtics seize 2-1 edge as Tatum delivers in fourth quarter
celtics-seize-2-1-edge-as-tatum-delivers-in-fourth-quarter
PHILADELPHIA — Jayson Tatum poured in 11 of his 25 points in the final period, guiding the Boston Celtics to a 108-100 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night and putting Boston up 2-1 in the opening-round series.
The All-Star forward capped his late surge with a step-back jumper over Adem Bona and afterward told the television broadcast, “I’ve been here before.”
Boston took command after a tightly contested first three quarters. Jaylen Brown ignited the decisive push by scoring eight consecutive points, stretching a one-possession game into a small cushion. Tatum then either scored or assisted on the Celtics’ next 10 points to close it out.
Tyrese Maxey tried to keep Philadelphia in striking distance with 31 points. Boston’s defense concentrated on limiting the 76ers’ perimeter threats, opting to live with Maxey’s isolation attempts. The approach held Philadelphia to 100 points despite Maxey’s outburst.
The 76ers again played without MVP center Joel Embiid, sidelined for the entire series following an appendectomy earlier this month.
The matchup continues to evoke memories of the 2017 NBA Draft, when Philadelphia traded up to select Markelle Fultz first overall while Boston landed Tatum at No. 3. Six years later, Tatum remains the difference-maker against the franchise that passed on him.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
Source: Hoops Wire
