Jayson Tatum Reflects on Game 1 Loss to Philadelphia 76ers

The Boston Celtics couldn't take advantage of Joel Embiid's absence.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics suffered a 119-115 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. MVP candidate Joel Embiid was ruled out of the opening game at TD Garden due to a right knee injury.

With Embiid inactive, James Harden was the star of the show for Philadelphia. Harden scored a playoff career-high 45 points on 17-of-30 shooting with six assists and two steals.

On top of an offensive barrage, the ten-time All-Star proved to be clutch. With 12 seconds remaining and Boston leading by one point, Harden nailed a crucial three-pointer over Al Horford.

JAMES HARDEN FROM DEEP 😱

HE HAS 45 PTS. SIXERS LEAD 117-115.

8 SECONDS LEFT ON TNT pic.twitter.com/qWu1dmMhkg

— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2023

Other stand-out players in Philadelphia’s win include Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton. The trio combined for 61 points.

Harden’s impressive performance was matched by only Jayson Tatum. Tatum registered a team-high 39 points on 14-of-25 shooting with 11 rebounds and five assists.

To combat Philadelphia’s offensive efforts, Tatum told NBC Sports Boston what the Celtics’ defense should focus on in their next match-up.

“Ball pressure, I think we allow guys to get too comfortable at times. I don’t pay too much attention to the rankings. That s**t might be one transition bucket per game. It’s not a huge gap.”

The St. Louis native indicated that rebounding is also an area of improvement.

“Sometimes we give up too many offensive rebounds and that hurts us. Second and third chance opportunities. I think it’s all about picking up our pressure.”

Game 2 of the Celtics-76ers series is scheduled for Wednesday night at 8 pm. 

Further Reading

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Here's What We Know About the Celtics-Sixers Second-Round Schedule

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