The Boston Celtics returned from the All-Star break and instantly hit the highway to tackle the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday night time at Wells Fargo Heart.
Philadelphia, not like for many of its horrendous marketing campaign, performed each stars Joel Embiid and Paul George — Embiid entered the night time having performed 17 video games. George had been battling a pinky damage whereas Embiid, an lively participant on this previous summer time’s 2024 Paris Olympics for USA Basketball, has most not too long ago been battling a left foot sprain.
Contemplating the Sixers failed miserably to keep up a aggressive edge all through the primary half of the season, going 20-34 because the eleventh seed within the Japanese Convention earlier than All-Star weekend, competition appears unlikely. Boston reminded the Metropolis of Brotherly Love why Philadelphia doesn’t belong within the dialog in any respect.
The Celtics left Philadelphia with an improved 40-16 report, and winners in six of their final seven matchups with the Sixers.
Listed below are three studs and three duds from Boston’s 124-104 win over Philadelphia:
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STUDS
Payton Pritchard
Boston’s sixth man turned down taking part in All-Star Weekend’s 3-point contest, and the choice to maintain his sizzling hand rested paid off. Pritchard scored a game-high 28 factors off the bench, flattening eight 3-point makes an attempt whereas meting out 4 assists. The undersized guard put the league again on discover for why his title sits on the forefront of this season’s NBA Sixth Man of the Yr dialog.
Jayson Tatum
It was an early clock-out for Tatum in Philadelphia, however not earlier than the six-time All-Star notched his fourth profession triple-double.
Tatum proved as soon as once more he’s a do-it-all star able to contributing from all areas of the ground. The 26-year-old scored 15 factors, grabbed 11 rebounds and tallied 10 assists — together with a steal — to complete the night time with a plus-19 score. In a star-studded matchup, Tatum stood alone as essentially the most dominant performer on the courtroom.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla pulled Tatum for the ultimate 8:46 and changed him with midseason addition Torrey Craig.
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Boston’s bench
Pritchard led the cost for the reserve unit, however the bench as an entire performed a key consider drowning the Sixers from ever maintaining. Al Horford scored 11 factors in 18 minutes whereas Luke Kornet scored six and Sam Hauser pitched in with three, because the Celtics bench mixed to attain 48 factors.
Philadelphia’s bench totaled 26 factors.
DUDS
Joel Embiid
The nightmare continues for these in Philadelphia and Embiid, the franchise star, isn’t making the method any simpler.
Embiid made the beginning for the Sixers and scored a subpar 15 factors on 3-of-9 capturing from the sector with three rebounds and 4 assists. The 7-foot veteran received out-rebounded by six Philadelphia teammates and barely seemed invested within the battle.
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Guerschon Yabusele
All through the season, Yabusele’s been one of many league’s most dependable off-the-bench contributors. However not on Thursday night time.
Yabusele, a former Celtics wing, performed 25 minutes and made zero distinction. He scored a measly 4 factors, grabbed eight rebounds and spent extra time on the ground than anybody else who got here off the bench from each groups, moreover Pritchard. Nonetheless, Yabusele failed to produce an affect.
Nick Nurse
It’s onerous for Philadelphia’s head coach to see gentle on the finish of the tunnel.
The Sixers have endured greater than sufficient drama, most of which got here prompted by Embiid’s lackluster dedication. Two seasons in the past, Embiid was named league MVP, and now regardless of the franchise’s funding of $212 million to signal George and $202 million to retain Tyrese Maxey, Nurse has been subjected to teaching a dumpsterfire.
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Philadelphia now sits six video games again of the closest playoff spot.
