NBA Playoffs: The Celtics wipe the Sixers off the map

The Boston Celtics once again asserted their dominance over the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. Since that 1982 series when Philadelphia eliminated Boston in a seventh game at the old Boston Garden, the two teams have met six more times in the postseason, always with victories for the Celtics. And everything points to this trend continuing.

The first game of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals series was a statement win for Boston, as they convincingly triumphed 123-91. The dominance was complete from start to finish, reflecting the identity the team has built throughout the season. Jaylen Brown summed it up clearly after the game: success lies in defense, intensity, and being the toughest team on every possession. For the Celtics, offense is important, but the key lies in their ability to stop the opponent.

The game was completely lopsided. Philadelphia shot a poor 2 for 16 from three-point range in the first half and finished the game 4 for 23 from beyond the arc. This was coupled with an overwhelming difference in points off turnovers, with Boston holding a 22-3 advantage. A scenario that is the opposite of what a team without their star player needs to compete at this level.

Without Joel Embiid, sidelined indefinitely following an emergency appendectomy, the 76ers' chances rely on extending the series and hoping for his possible return. Meanwhile, the offensive burden falls on Tyrese Maxey, who failed to make a difference in the first game. His 21 points, on 8 for 21 shooting, were far from the impact of Boston's stars.

The standout player of the game was Jayson Tatum. The forward led the Celtics with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 32 minutes, confirming his great form since returning from an Achilles tendon injury. Since his comeback in early March, Tatum has been regaining his form to display a level close to pre-injury. His performance in this first game reinforces Boston's position as the clear favorite.

Coached by Joe Mazzulla, the team controlled the game from the start, at one point leading by over 30 points. The superiority was such that the result left little room for analysis in Philadelphia. Their coach, Nick Nurse, admitted there were too many mistakes, especially in the early and late stages of the game.

The Sixers Look to Improve

Despite the resounding defeat, the 76ers are confident in offering a better performance in the second game. Improving their outside shooting accuracy and reducing defensive mistakes will be crucial aspects if they want to compete. In today's NBA, a contender needs three-point accuracy and their top player dominating the game, two factors that were missing in this series opener.

On the other hand, Boston has achieved what they were looking for: an advantage and control. The next step will be to confirm these feelings in the second game and put Philadelphia in a tough spot. Because, as recent history between them has shown, the Celtics know how to come out on top when they meet in the playoffs.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Playoffs NBA: Los Celtics borran del mapa a los Sixers