The Boston Celtics ruin Joel Embiid’s homecoming by burying the 76ers with a barrage of 3s, tying the game at 1-1.After missing two consecutive postseason games due to a knee injury, Joel Embiid made his NBA MVP debut on Wednesday.
The Boston Celtics ruined the fun. Embiid returned with little limitations and looked like his usual fierce self on defense. However, while he made things difficult for Boston near the basket, the Celtics responded with a barrage of 3-pointers to fuel a 121-87 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, tying the Eastern Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
With Embiid on the court, the game quickly changed tone from Game 1, when the Celtics shot 85% from the field in the first quarter. In Game 2, baskets were harder to come by on both sides of the floor. At least in the beginning.
Embiid had an early impact at the rim with an acrobatic first-quarter block of Marcus Smart.
He stuffed a Jaylen Brown dunk attempt in the second quarter, showing no indications of lessening the aggression that has been a signature of his game.
Boston Celtics’ 3-point Barrage and Strong Defense Propel Them to a Decisive Victory Over 76ers
Boston gazed outdoors, where life was substantially more difficult than on Monday. Despite shooting 42.2% from the field in the first half, the Celtics hit enough 3-pointers (8 of 22) to build a 57-49 halftime lead. They matched Philadelphia’s defensive vigor in the first half, keeping the 76ers to 37.7% shooting.
The lid fell off the rim for Boston. With consecutive 12-1 and 13-0 runs in the third quarter, the Celtics blasted the game open. They did their offensive damage from long range, making 7-of-15 3-pointers in the quarter. Malcolm Brogdon contributed to the run by making 3-of-6 3-point shots. His pull-up 3 with 51.7 seconds left in the fourth pushed Boston’s advantage to 92-63, effectively ending the game.
Celtics Clamp Down on 76ers’ Stars to Cruise to Victory in Game 2
While Boston got hot, Philadelphia struggled on the field. The James Harden who channeled his old MVP form with 45 points in Game 1 returned to earth on Wednesday with 12 points on 2-of-14 shooting. As he searched for shooting opportunities, Celtics defenders piled on. Embiid had a little offensive effect despite shooting only nine field goals (four of which were successful) on route to 15 points, three rebounds, and five blocks, all of which occurred in the first half.
The 76ers hoisted the white flag with more over eight minutes remaining after failing to respond in the fourth quarter. Both sides had their benches empty.
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