The Boston Celtics dropped Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday, falling 115-103 to the Philadelphia 76ers. Now on the wrong side of a 3-2 series split, Boston looks to extend its season on the road Thursday night. Otherwise, it will suffer an early postseason exit.
The Sixers had it going on early with Joel Embiid leading the way. The reigning MVP finished with 33 points and 7 rebounds. Right behind him was James Harden, who once again picked apart the Celtics’ defense with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. The plucky Tyrese Maxey contributed 30 points and 7 rebounds.
The Sixers were fully dialed in and fully in control from the jump, while Boston spun its tires on both ends.
It’s worth noting that during the 2022 postseason, the Celtics found themselves facing a 3-2 deficit in the conference semifinals. The team responded with a massive road win over the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks before closing out the series in a thrilling Game 7.
What happens next is not set in stone.
Here’s what you missed from Boston’s 115-103 loss to Philadelphia:
Derrick White has been named to the NBA’s 2023 All-Defensive Second Team. https://t.co/gj0Hvq1uDT
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 9, 2023
Boston's offense
It was another cold start for the Celtics offense, which couldn’t quite get into gear. Jayson Tatum, for example, missed his first six shots, and the entire team struggled to find its scoring rhythm. At the close of the first half, Boston was an icy 5-for-19 from 3, a stat that paired with a rather toothless attack in the painted area. The combination was a sign of what was to come.
Their play continued to stagnate in the second half. While Tatum came alive, scoring 16 in the third quarter, the rest of his teammates came up blank. Tatum ended the night with 36 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists despite the slow start.
Overall, however, it was an inconsistent and inadequate offensive effort from Boston. As a team it shot 31.6% from deep, produced a pedestrian 36 points in the paint and compounded the shortcomings with nine missed free throws. It was a confusing scoring night from what was the No. 2 offense in the NBA during the regular season.
Boston’s punch never showed up, and any threat of a Celtics run was often usually offset by a stretch of equally uninspired defense.
For the Celtics and the analysts who cover it, it is never too early to try to think about the future structure of the ball club. https://t.co/YQNZxPRxDI
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 9, 2023
Boston's defense
Boston’s offense floundered, and the defense wasn’t good enough to keep the game even. Joel Embiid and James Harden continued to complement one another quite well, which deeply bamboozled the Celtics. Careless errors afforded the Sixers plenty of open looks.
Philadelphia’s defensive approach was physical and aggressive, which made life difficult for the Celtics. Boston took a different tack, prioritizing rim protection and inviting the Sixers to shoot. It was a confusing tactic. This method has burned the Celts all series. Philadelphia shot 51% from the field and 40 from 3 as such.
Like the scoring effort, Boston had moments on the defensive end. But more often than not, the Celtics really couldn’t assert themselves for more than a few baskets before making the wrong read or gamble. Philadelphia was the better team.
Miranda is an intriguing prospect for the Celtics to consider as a top-50 consensus college prospect. https://t.co/VFG7NvClk9
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 9, 2023
Looking ahead
The action once again shifts to Philadelphia for a pivotal Game 6. In the series, Boston is 1-1 on the road. This group has faced the specter of elimination in such a fashion before.
All the same, Game 5 was a big disappointment for the Celtics, who have only added to their reputation of coming up cold at exactly the wrong moments with this loss.
The chips are down, and the Celtics must prove they’re worthy of the moment or otherwise spend an early summer vacation wondering where it all went wrong.
The Flower Mound native was honored for his continuous dedication to giving it his all on the parquet. https://t.co/b9O19hsmIY
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 9, 2023
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