Not a trio? Not a problem! Warriors 117-99 against Celtics

Boston Celtics Boston Celtics NEWZMOLE February 28, 2024 0 Comments

Not a trio? Not a problem! Warriors 117-99 against Celtics

Not a trio? Not a problem! Warriors 117-99 against Celtics
The Celtics defeated their adversary once again thanks to a huge run in the fourth quarter.

A strong second half helped the Boston Celtics secure victory number 46 on Tuesday night, but the Philadelphia 76ers silenced a TD Garden crowd that was excited to watch the newest chapter in their intense rivalry right away.

Buddy Hield, the new 76er, got things rolling right away, making two long-range jumpers and setting up Tobias Harris for a beautiful cut that resulted in a and-1 layup. Before the Celtics settled in and reduced the deficit, Philadelphia attempted to attack off the dribble early and had a small lead.

Because of the Jays and Kristaps Porzingis, they were able to prevent a 12-0 run against Boston by blinking.

With a stunning three blocks in the opening six minutes, Derrick White ignited this defensive mini-run. That would be an extraordinarily remarkable achievement for almost any other player in the league.

For Derrick White, Tuesday was just like any other.

The Cs used the high-post to hunt mismatches for Porzingis, which is still a very successful tactic. The league’s most successful move thus far this season has been posting up the Unicorn, and it passed the visual test early in Tuesday’s match.

Tyrese Maxey scored 12 of his own baskets to tie the game at thirty points apiece, but Porzingis closed the first quarter with seven points, Tatum and Brown also chipped in. In the first quarter, neither side was especially efficient from beyond the arc, and both teams scored 18 points in the paint. Though Boston was sloppier with the ball, overall it was quite even.

Mazzulla used a matchup zone to start the second quarter, which caused some difficulty for Philly. But in the non-Maxey minutes, the Sixers held their own as Nick Nurse used a variety of bodies in search of offensive solutions.

The Cs’ problem with turnovers persisted, and Philly punished them for it. The 76ers scored quickly and took a tiny lead after making a flurry of baskets off of offensive rebounds.

Fortunately, Jaylen Brown Show was on in the second quarter as he consistently pounded Philly in the paint.

With a game-high 18 points from Brown at the half, Tatum and Porzingis combined for 21 points to help Boston take a narrow 53-51 lead into the intermission. With 17, Maxey continued to lead the way for Philadelphia, and at least three points were scored by five different Sixers bench players.

Although Boston’s rebounding became more efficient in the second half, it was their opponent’s turnover and three-point shooting percentages that really gave them the advantage. The 76ers played a comparatively clean half, committing just two turnovers, compared to the ugly nine committed by the Celtics. Boston just made two three-pointers from beyond the arc, which matched for their second-fewest in a single half this year, while Philly made seven.