The Boston Celtics got punked on their own home floor in Game 1 of the East semis series with the Philadelphia 76ers and responded in a major way to repay the favor in Game 2. The Celtics came out aggressive on defense and leaned into the best version of Mazzulla ball to come away with a 121-87 win while spoiling freshly-minted MVP Joel Embiid’s return.
A big game from Jaylen Brown (25 points, 2 steals), and solid support from Malcolm Brogdon (23 points, 6 rebounds), Derrick White (15 points), Marcus Smart (15 points, 5 boards), and Grant Williams (12 points, 4 assists) won the game for Boston on a night where Tatum’s foul trouble and a neck reinjury for Smart impacted Boston’s play. The series now heads to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday respectively with Boston tied up with the Sixers at 1-1.
