Here are the top performers on May 3 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Joel Embiid PHI C 34 PTS | 12 REB | 6 AST | 59.4 FPS (vs. BOS)
The former MVP has clearly emerged as the difference-maker in the series. In the four games he’s played, he has made his presence felt across the board, averaging 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists, while also leading his team to a major upset win. If he stays healthy, the Sixers are undoubtedly capable of taking down any team in the league.
BREAKOUT:
Derrick White BOS SG 26 PTS | 6 REB | 3 BLK | 48.2 FPS (vs. PHI)
It’s been a rough series all in all for White. While he came out strong in this one, posting 19 points in the first half, he wasn’t able to sustain it the rest of the way. Although his shooting has been an issue throughout the season, he remains one of the Celtics’ best two-way contributors, and he should be able to play at a much higher level next season.
SLEEPER:
Neemias Queta BOS C 17 PTS | 12 REB | 1 AST | 31.9 FPS (vs. PHI)
Despite some down games and foul issues, Queta has still been instrumental in the series. He was much better today, however, posting his third straight 10-rebound performance while also setting a new playoff high in scoring. Overall, the big man has been excellent this year and has proven his place as an important part of the team moving forward.
ELITE ASSET:
Jaylen Brown BOS SF 33 PTS | 9 REB | 3 BLK | 55.8 FPS (vs. PHI)
Throughout the series, Brown has done the work on both ends, and that was once again the case today. However, it wasn’t enough to carry his team to the next round. Even so, Brown has been phenomenal this year, firmly entering the MVP conversation with averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while leading the rebuilding Celtics to the second seed in the East.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Tyrese Maxey PHI PG 30 PTS | 11 REB | 7 AST | 52.7 FPS (vs. BOS)
Throughout the series, Maxey is undoubtedly their best player. He was at it again today, shooting 60% from the floor for his third 30-point game of the series. He was equally impressive in other areas, leading the team in assists while also recording a series-best in rebounds.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
VJ Edgecombe PHI SG 23 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 33.2 FPS (vs. BOS)
In his playoff debut, the rookie has definitely shown that he can compete at the highest level, anchoring the Sixers on both ends of the floor. Aside from averaging 15.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in the series, his ability to defend the other team’s best players has been significant and the team will continue to need that from him in the games ahead.
STREAMER:
Quentin Grimes PHI SG 3 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 16.2 FPS (vs. BOS)
Offensively, he hasn’t been at his best lately, but he has compensated by contributing in multiple areas. That impact, however, will be vital for them going to the next round. In Game 5 of this series, he has clearly shown that ability, posting a playoff high on 4-for-7 shooting from deep.
FLOPPER:
Payton Pritchard BOS PG 13 PTS | 5 REB | 7 AST | 32.5 FPS (vs. PHI)
It has been a career year for Pritchard as he finished the season, averaging 17.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists which are all career-best. However, he rarely looked like that player over the course of this series with his three-point shooting being the biggest issue. Nevertheless, he remains a promising part of the team’s future.
