The Celtics Are Built to Win, The 76ers Are Fighting to Survive.
Written: Kekoa O’Neil
Contributor | Sideline Society Media
Coming into this series, the heavily favored 2 seeded Celtics were expected to make quick workof the Sixers without their star center Joel Embiid. After a 32 point win in game 1 which proved to be the Celtics’ largest game 1 playoff victory ever, everything that was predicted seemed to come true right off the bat. When it comes to playoff basketball, there have been many instances of the higher seed easily coasting to a game 1 victory. Seemingly the case in this series.
What also holds true however is the idea of never overreacting to a game 1. The playoffs are not like the regular season by any means. You know who you're playing the next game, there are no bac to backs, and you have plenty of time to gameplan for your opponent. The Sixers took all 3 of those aspects and applied them to game 2 which eventually led them to be victorious. Rookie VJ Edgecombe had an outstanding performance putting up the first 30 point, 10 rebound game for a rookie in a playoff game since Tim Duncan back in 1998.
The star guard from Baylor has been an integral part of Philly’s offensive success with star players Joel Embiid and Paul George being in and out of the lineup all season. The Sixers had one of their best shooting games of the season from 3 point range shooting 19/39 (49%) while the Celtics had one of their worst shooting 13/50 (28%) from 3 point range. Under Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics have been known to have games where they shoot an excessive amount of 3 pointers even if they are not converting. The Sixers took full advantage of this in game 2 leading them to a 111-97 victory.
As we head into game 3 Philadelphia will look to build off this momentum with now having the home crowd on their side to try and take a commanding 2-1 series lead. Everyone is still picking the Celtics to win this series being they are the more talented team and have been in this situation many times before. With the unknown status on Joel Embiid’s health for the remainder of the series and the star power of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown the Celtics look to get back on track and regain homecourt advantage.
The Celtics have proven they can shoot a lot better from three than they did in game 2 and we should expect to see better shooting throughout the rest of the series.
This coupled with the experience, poise and camaraderie the Celtics have shown for years now in the playoffs should lead them to an eventual 4-2 series victory advancing them to the second round of the playoffs.
