The Boston Celtics have created a storm in the NBA with their recent stunning comeback victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. In a game that seemed lost as they fell behind by a staggering 26 points late in the third quarter, the Celtics roared back in the final frame to secure a remarkable 118-110 win. This historic comeback marked the largest under coach Joe Mazzulla and matched the season’s biggest comeback in the league. The Celtics’ resurgence was nothing short of extraordinary, outscoring the Sixers 54-20 in the final 14:56, with an impressive shooting display of 20 of 27 from the field, including 12 of 16 from behind the arc.
Coach Mazzulla expressed his pride in his team’s exceptional performance, stating, “You get a few chances to where you really see the guys do something special in the regular season. I was proud to coach them.” This victory propelled the Celtics to a three-game winning streak, their longest in a month, and improved their record to 35-15, positioning them 2.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed race.
Live by the 3
The Celtics’ recent struggles with shooting appeared to be a thing of the past as they showcased a remarkable shooting display against the Sixers. In a dramatic turnaround, the Celtics made 12 of 16 three-pointers in the final 14:56, emphasizing their prowess beyond the arc. Jaylen Brown emphasized the team’s confidence and resilience, stating, “Don’t complain. Just keep shooting the ball, and it will work itself out, and it did.” The team’s ability to convert 3-pointers at a high rate has been a key factor in their success this season, boasting a record of 24-3 when shooting at least 37.5% from beyond the arc.
Tatum Takeover
Jayson Tatum’s exceptional performance in the Celtics’ stunning comeback highlighted his elite skills as a scorer and playmaker. After a challenging January, where Tatum’s shooting percentages dipped, he bounced back with a stellar 35-point, 11-assist, and seven-rebound performance against the Sixers. Tatum’s ability to take over the game, scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out seven assists in the final 14:56, showcased his versatility and leadership on the court. Coach Mazzulla commended Tatum’s composure and decision-making under pressure, hailing him as a key factor in the Celtics’ success.
Eliminating Maxey
Tyrese Maxey’s explosive performance for the Sixers posed a significant threat to the Celtics. Maxey, who entered the game with a string of high-scoring outings, was contained by the Celtics in the final quarter, limiting him to just two points on 0 of 4 shooting. The Celtics’ defensive adjustments, particularly focusing on containing Maxey in pick-and-roll situations, played a crucial role in neutralizing his impact. By sending multiple defenders Maxey’s way and disrupting his rhythm, the Celtics effectively shut down the rising star’s offensive contributions, securing a pivotal win for their team.
