The previous two occasions the 76ers were in a second-round series that was tied 2-2, they were blown out in Game 5 – a 36-point loss to Toronto in 2019 and 35-point loss to Miami last season. “If you’re not willing to get dirty, if you’re not willing to pretty much bleed, if you’re not willing to break something.then you shouldn’t be on that court,” Celtics guard Marcus Smart said. If there’s any solace for Boston, it’s that the Celtics survived this exact scenario last year in this round, overcoming a 3-2 deficit to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks. “I think we just didn’t have it today,” Tatum said. The Celtics went 12 of 38 from the 3-point line. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 36 points but was just 11 of 27 from the field. “You just have breathe through it and our guys did that,” Rivers said. Rivers said it helped his team endure each of Boston’s attempts to get back into the game.

James Harden finished with 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.Ĭoach Doc Rivers likened Harden’s play to that of a catcher in baseball calling the perfect game, putting his teammates in optimal position while also scoring big buckets in key moments. Tyrese Maxey added 30 points and six three-pointers. He also had seven rebounds, four blocks and three three-pointers.

It was the third straight 30-point game in the series for the reigning MVP, who used his full array offensive weapons to pick apart the Celtics defense.

But we have to do it again,” Embiid said. “What we did tonight, it’s easier said than done. Philadelphia haven’t reached that stage of the playoffs since 2001. The 76ers led by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter as home fans booed the Celtics, and can close out the series and advance to the conference finals when they host Game 6 on Thursday night. Embiid scored 33 points and Philadelphia easily took a 3-2 lead in the East semi-finals, beating Boston 115-103 on Tuesday night.

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