The Boston Celtics lost their home opener to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, losing 117-116.
Throughout the game, it was back and forth between the two teams. No team saw a lead larger than eight points in the first half, with Philadelphia leading 57-51 at halftime. The Celtics responded strong in the third quarter and outscored the Sixers by 17, holding an 86-75 lead. However, the Sixers fought themselves right back into the game and began to chip away at the Celtics lead. Philadelphia closed the game on a 17-7 run in the final 3:47 of the game and stole the victory, ruining the Celtics opening night.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 40 points on 13-24 shooting and made seven 3 pointers in the contest. Despite the big night from Maxey, perhaps the biggest takeaway from the game comes from the exemplary performance of rookie VJ Edgecombe, who scored 34 points on 13-26 shooting in his rookie debut.
The Celtics had no answer for either of the Sixers two guards. Overall, the Celtics struggled defensively and allowed the Sixers to shoot 40% from 3 point range, while shooting a poor 11-43 from deep themselves.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 25 points for Boston, while Neemias Queta added 17 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Newcomer Anfernee Simons added 13 points of his own, shooting 5-10 from the field. The team shot 45% in the game and managed to draw many fouls. However, their ability to hold large leads will be a large topic of discussion throughout the year, especially with Jayson Tatum still rehabbing from his achilles injury.
The Celtics travel to New York tomorrow where they will face the New York Knicks in a Conference Semi Finals rematch. Tip off begins at 7:30 pm ET.
Beer Garden Sports 