Victory for Celtics as they overpower 76ers
BOSTON — On Tuesday night, the Celtics clinched their ninth consecutive victory with a commanding 117-99 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Remarkably, despite only sinking five 3-pointers throughout the game, they secured the win.
The Celtics clinched a win even when their three-point shots weren’t hitting the mark. Impressive.
Whether you’re a fan or not, the Celtics have embraced the three-point game, fitting right into the trend dominating the league. They’re at the forefront, averaging an impressive 42.6 attempts from beyond the arc per game, with coach Joe Mazzulla likely encouraging even more shooting, provided they’re open shots. Their success is evident, boasting a remarkable 41-3 record when shooting 32 percent or better from long range prior to Tuesday’s game.
Despite possessing multiple strategies to defeat opposing teams, the Celtics often encounter difficulties when their three-point shots aren’t falling. This was evident on Tuesday night when they only made 2 out of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. At halftime, despite their struggles, they managed to maintain a slim two-point lead, indicating that they were fortunate to be ahead.
Despite connecting on just three three-pointers in the second half and finishing with a 5-for-22 overall performance from beyond the arc, the Celtics managed to seize control of the game against Philadelphia. Faced with the 76ers’ strategy of switching defensively to limit perimeter opportunities, Boston shifted its focus to asserting dominance in the paint. With Joel Embiid sidelined, Philadelphia lacked sufficient resistance against Boston’s aggressive drives to the basket.
On Tuesday, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum exhibited a determined approach by consistently driving to the basket, while Kristaps Porzingis maintained his strong presence in the post. Together, they contributed over 20 points each for Boston, with a remarkable combined total of 42 points scored in the paint. This collective effort resulted in the Celtics securing a commanding 64-42 advantage over the 76ers in points scored inside the paint.
According to Celtics statistician Dick Lipe, Boston’s victory marked their first win when making five or fewer three-pointers since 2018. Additionally, the Celtics’ 22 three-point attempts were the lowest in three years.
Mazzulla expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance after the win, considering it one of their finest games of the year. He highlighted their ability to secure victory through alternative means, which he believed was crucial given the defensive strategies employed by opponents. This game provided a valuable template for how teams might approach guarding them in the future, offering new areas for the team to focus on in practice. Overall, Mazzulla commended the players for their excellent execution.
On Tuesday, the Celtics demonstrated exceptional efficiency, securing quality shots with a notable true shooting percentage of 64.8. Their success stemmed from dominating the paint and continuously driving to the basket, showcasing the importance of interior presence even when three-point shots aren’t falling.
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Mazzulla expressed, “My preference lies in great shots rather than threes. This team has developed the ability to capitalize on the defensive openings presented to them consistently.”
Throughout the game, Brown displayed an aggressive approach, relentlessly attacking the basket and drawing fouls to amass 31 points, the highest in the game. Remarkably, he scored 28 of these points either from inside the paint or from the free-throw line. Brown exhibited efficiency, converting 10 out of 11 attempts in the restricted area and sinking eight of his 10 free throws. Despite only taking 14 field goal attempts, he managed to surpass the 30-point mark.
Brown attempted only two three-point shots during the game and mentioned that he deliberately chose to forgo open opportunities from the perimeter. Instead, he aimed to draw the Philadelphia defense towards him, thereby creating opportunities for his teammates by forcing the defense to collapse throughout the game.
“After the win, Brown mentioned how he occasionally opts to forego three-point attempts in favor of driving into the paint. He believes this approach can improve their three-point shooting by creating opportunities for open shots when the defense collapses.”
Mazzulla praised Brown, noting his constant aggression on the court. He expressed admiration for Brown’s efforts, emphasizing the dedication he puts into his game and the composure he displays on offense. Mazzulla also commended Brown’s ability to score in various ways, showcasing his versatility on the court.
Brown’s impressive performance at the beginning of the game kept the Celtics competitive during a challenging first half. However, it was Tatum who emerged as the driving force in the fourth quarter, contributing 15 of his 29 points during this crucial period. His dominant display effectively quashed any potential comeback by Philadelphia. Notably, six of Tatum’s points in the final frame were scored in the paint, showcasing his determination to attack the rim and draw fouls. He capitalized on this aggressive approach by sinking seven free throws in the fourth quarter alone, finishing with an impressive 10-for-11 from the charity stripe for the game.
Despite only making one out of seven attempts from beyond the arc, Tatum contributed 27 points on 20 shots during Tuesday night’s game. Additionally, he secured 11 rebounds and led the team with eight assists, ultimately aiding in their victory.
Adding to the performance, Porzingis contributed 23 points and secured 12 rebounds, demonstrating his versatility with eight points scored in the paint and another dozen from the free-throw line. With all three of their key players surpassing 20 points, even amidst below-average shooting from beyond the arc, it’s clear that the Celtics are a formidable opponent that few teams can overcome.
According to Mazzulla, the Celtics’ victory despite only making five three-pointers is enlightening. It demonstrates to the players that they possess the ability to win through alternative methods beyond relying solely on long-range shooting. Additionally, it highlights the scoring versatility of Tatum and Brown, who can typically contribute points from various areas on the court.
It served as a valuable lesson on the impact of driving to the basket for any team, regardless of their standing as the top team in the NBA. The playoffs often present nights when Boston’s three-point shots aren’t connecting. Reflecting on Tuesday night’s victory could help the Celtics navigate through challenges they’ve faced in previous playoff appearances and steer clear of similar pitfalls.
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