The Boston Celtics showcased their versatility on Tuesday night, clinching their ninth consecutive victory with a 117-99 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. What made this win particularly noteworthy was the Celtics’ ability to secure the victory despite their struggles from beyond the arc, sinking just five 3-pointers throughout the game.
In a league where the 3-point shot reigns supreme, the Celtics have established themselves as a formidable force, leading the NBA with an average of 42.6 attempts from downtown per game. However, their reliance on the long-range shot proved unnecessary as they demonstrated their prowess in other areas against the 76ers.
With only a 2-for-11 performance from 3-point range in the first half, the Celtics found themselves in a tight battle. However, they quickly adapted their strategy, capitalizing on opportunities in the paint. Without Joel Embiid to anchor the defense, Boston’s slashers, including Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, capitalized on the absence and relentlessly attacked the rim.
Brown, who led the Celtics with 31 points, showcased his dominance in the paint, scoring 28 of his points from close range or the free-throw line. Despite attempting just two 3-pointers, Brown’s aggressive approach yielded impressive results, providing a blueprint for his teammates to follow.
Tatum, who contributed 29 points, proved instrumental in sealing the victory, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he poured in 15 points to extinguish any hopes of a Philadelphia comeback. Despite his struggles from beyond the arc, Tatum’s ability to penetrate the defense and draw fouls demonstrated the Celtics’ resilience and adaptability.
Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis bolstered the Celtics’ interior presence with 23 points and 12 rebounds, further emphasizing their dominance in the paint. With all three of their top players exceeding 20 points despite subpar shooting from downtown, the Celtics showcased their depth and versatility.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla commended his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to win in alternative ways. “This game was probably one of our best games of the year… it showed a template of how teams are going to guard us,” Mazzulla remarked. “I don’t love threes, I love great shots,” he added, underscoring the importance of efficient shot selection.
The victory serves as a reminder of the Celtics’ potential to thrive even when their 3-point shots aren’t falling. As they continue their winning streak and look ahead to the playoffs, the Celtics can draw confidence from their ability to adapt and excel in different facets of the game. Tuesday night’s win exemplified the team’s resilience and versatility, providing valuable lessons for future challenges.
