With both teams trading blows in the latter stages of the final quarter, the Boston Celtics eventually caught fire late—dealing the Philadelphia 76ers a 108-100 loss on their home floor in Game 3 on Saturday. The win gave Boston a 2-1 series lead in their NBA Eastern Conference showdown.
The dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 50 points en route to the victory, but it was Tatum’s pull-up three from the right wing that extended the Celtic lead to six—sealing the win.
“It just took a full team effort. Winning a playoff game is hard, we just stayed resilient, we stuck with it. It’s a game of runs,” Tatum said postgame.
Tatum Erupts in Fourth Quarter as Celtics Take 2-1 Lead
Almost two months after returning from an Achilles rupture, Tatum went back to his usual playoff self, as he dialed 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.
Payton Pritchard also provided his usual spark off the bench, adding 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a team-high +18 rating. Meanwhile, Derrick White and Nikola Vucevic both added 11 markers.
With the win, Boston exacted revenge on the Sixers by stealing a game on their home floor. The Cs also regained the series lead, 2-1.
Tyrese Maxey Paces Philly as Joel Embiid Continues to Stay Out
Still playing without the services of franchise big man Joel Embiid—who underwent treatment for appendicitis late in the regular season—Philadelphia continues to lean on Tyrese Maxey’s offense to stay afloat. On Saturday, he paced the Sixers in the loss with 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, albeit shooting only 38% from the field.
Philly remained in the fight as a basket from Andre Drummond cut their deficit to one entering crunch time. However, three straight Celtic threes eventually dealt the Sixers the defeat.
The Sixers will look to tie the series up once again in Game 4 on Monday, April 27.
