Denver Nuggets - Minnesota Timberwolves.Allowing just 13 points in the fourth quarter is an equally impressive act of grit from the Celts, and underscores how important defense was to securing a victory.2023 NBA playoff matchups Eastern Conference There were flaws, but the Celtics showed just enough poise and focus to overcome an awkward scoring effort. In the end, Boston’s defense showed plenty of bend, but it didn’t break. The Celtics still doubled sparingly, something Philly’s star players were eager to exploit, as this left shooters wide open on the wing. Joel Embiid still had his way with smaller defenders. James Harden still took advantage of isolated big men. Foul trouble and fatigue limited the sustainability of this approach, however.įamiliar faults began to set in for the Celtics defense. This gave the Celtics enough size and strength to dictate the terms of engagement early. He paired Robert Williams III with Al Horford, something we’ve seen very little of this postseason. With the season on the ropes, coach Mazzulla opted for a change in his starting group. Thankful for Celtics fans, Jayson Tatum had other plans.įor 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. Coupled with just 5 points combined from Horford and Tatum through three quarters, Boston’s offense was choppy and inconsistent, and it really looked as if the team was going to come up short. Importantly, the Celtics got away with committing 18 turnovers. Marcus Smart was huge for the visiting team as well, providing stability and a bit of shooting. Though Brown only had 17 points, his tenacity and willingness to attack the basket were critical for the Celtics. Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown kept Boston’s offense afloat while Tatum (and Al Horford) really didn’t have it going for much of the night. Tatum ended the night with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks. The headline for Boston was Jayson Tatum, who managed to erase a miserable shooting performance with the season on the line.Improbably the All-NBA forward went 0-for-10 shooting the ball in the first half before a clutch fourth quarter scoring outburst. Here’s what you missed from Boston’s Game 6 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.Ĭould it be The Truth that it had nothing to do with a missed bathroom break after all? With just enough defensive grit, however, the Celtics hung tough, providing an opportunity for Tatum to swoop in and force a Game 7. From there, Boston looked poised to implode. The Celtics led by 16 points at one point before a cold stretch in the third quarter gave the Sixers a window.

Just one day removed from earning All-NBA honors, Tatum proved himself worthy of the moment, early shooting woes notwithstanding. After an icy shooting night, he poured in four pivotal 3-pointers in the final frame to keep Boston ahead. Jayson Tatum, who struggled mightily for much of the night, exploded in the fourth quarter, perhaps saving the Celtics from an early offseason.

The action swings back to Boston one last time, with a huge Game 7 slated for Sunday and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line.

The Boston Celtics have extended their season with a 95-86 Game 6 victory on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia sixers score last night