The Boston Celtics showcased their versatility and resilience in a 117-99 win against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Despite a lackluster performance from beyond the arc, the Celtics capitalized on their dominance in the paint to secure their ninth consecutive victory.
3-Point Struggles and Adaptation
The Celtics, known for their 3-point shooting prowess, hit just five 3-pointers during the game. However, they demonstrated their ability to adapt by finding alternative ways to score. When the long-range shots weren’t falling, Boston shifted its focus to attacking the hoop.
Jaylen Brown’s Aggressive Play
Jaylen Brown led the charge, scoring 28 of his 31 points from the paint or the free-throw line. His relentless drives to the basket kept the Celtics afloat, especially during a challenging first half. Brown’s willingness to pass up open threes in favor of paint touches exemplified the team’s strategy.
Tatum Takes Over in the Fourth Quarter
In the crucial fourth quarter, Jayson Tatum stepped up, contributing 15 of his 29 points to thwart any comeback attempt by the 76ers. Tatum’s combination of rim attacks and free throws proved pivotal. Despite a subpar 3-point shooting night (1-for-7), he showcased his scoring versatility.
Porzingis Adds to the Mix
Kristaps Porzingis added 23 points and 12 rebounds, with significant contributions both inside the paint and from the free-throw line. The Celtics’ trio of Brown, Tatum, and Porzingis demonstrated that they can score effectively even when the threes aren’t falling.
Efficiency and Valuable Lessons
The bottom line was efficiency: the Celtics maintained a remarkable true shooting percentage of 64.8. This victory serves as a valuable lesson for the playoffs. There will be nights when Boston’s 3-point shots go cold, but remembering their success in attacking the basket can help them overcome challenges.
In summary, the Celtics’ ability to adapt and win in different ways bodes well for their postseason aspirations. Their dominance in the paint, combined with the scoring prowess of Brown and Tatum, makes them a formidable force in the NBA.
Check out more articles like this at News Archives – Topic In One Article