What to Know
- The Celtics are now 3-0 in the preseason after a commanding 139-89 victory.
- Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum led the team with 18 and 16 points, respectively.
- Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, and Jordan Walsh combined to shoot an impressive 11-for-12 from beyond the arc.
- Luke Kornet contributed 15 points and eight rebounds while starting as the team’s big man.
- The Celtics will face off against the Raptors again on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
It appears the Boston Celtics are fully prepared to defend their title.
On Saturday night, the C’s gave their home fans an exhilarating display, demolishing the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 139-89. This victory marks their perfect 3-0 record in the preseason.
Seven players from the Celtics scored in double digits, with co-stars Jaylen Brown (18 points) and Jayson Tatum (16 points) leading the charge. The team excelled with a 48.9 percent shooting accuracy from 3-point range, highlighted by Sam Hauser (15 points, 5-6 from 3) and Xavier Tillman (11 points, 3-3 from 3) who both found success from long distance.
Luke Kornet made an impact early, scoring 11 points within his first seven minutes and finishing the game with 15 points alongside eight rebounds.
Boston will take the court again on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET, hosting the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden.
Be sure to check our live blog for score updates, highlights, and in-depth analysis of Saturday’s commanding win.
Celtics Dominate 76ers 139-89 in Preseason Triumph, Move to 3-0
Game Overview
In a stunning preseason matchup, the Boston Celtics showcased their firepower by overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers with a commanding 139-89 victory. This remarkable win not only highlighted the Celtics’ dominance on the court but also pushed their preseason record to an impressive 3-0. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement about the team’s potential as they gear up for the regular season.
Key Performers of the Game
The Celtics’ victory was fueled by standout performances from several players. Here’s a look at the key contributors:
- Jayson Tatum: Tatum led the charge with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, demonstrating his all-around game and ability to score from anywhere on the court.
- Jaylen Brown: Brown added another 24 points, providing a consistent scoring threat and showcasing his athleticism.
- Marcus Smart: Smart contributed 12 points and 7 assists, guiding the offense and playing solid defense throughout the game.
- Robert Williams III: Williams made his presence felt on both ends with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
First Half Highlights
The Celtics set the tone early in the game, jumping out to a commanding lead. Here are some highlights from the first half:
| Quarter | Celtics Points | 76ers Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 39 | 22 |
| 2nd | 36 | 27 |
– **Defense:** The Celtics’ defense was stifling, limiting Philadelphia to just 49 points in the first half.
– **Offensive Efficiency:** Boston shot 56% from the field and hit 12 three-pointers before halftime, showcasing their perimeter shooting prowess.
Second Half Surge
The dominance continued in the second half, with the Celtics showing no signs of slowing down. Key moments included:
– **Explosive Offense:** The Celtics scored an astonishing 64 points in the second half, further widening the gap.
– **Bench Contributions:** The reserves played a significant role, with several players stepping up to maintain the lead. Notably, Payton Pritchard added 15 points off the bench, demonstrating the depth of the Celtics’ roster.
Defensive Strategy Against the 76ers
The Celtics’ defensive strategy was pivotal in their victory. Here’s a breakdown of their approach:
– **Pick-and-Roll Defense:** The Celtics effectively neutralized the 76ers’ pick-and-roll plays, forcing turnovers and contested shots.
– **Switching Defense:** Boston utilized a switching defense to cover mismatches, preventing easy scoring opportunities for Philadelphia’s key players, such as Joel Embiid and James Harden.
– **Rebounding:** The Celtics dominated the boards, out-rebounding the 76ers 54-32, which limited second-chance points for Philadelphia.
76ers’ Struggles
While the Celtics shined, the 76ers faced several challenges:
– **Offensive Inefficiency:** Philadelphia struggled with their shooting, converting only 38% of their field goals and 29% from beyond the arc.
- **Turnovers:** The 76ers committed 18 turnovers, which led to easy fast-break points for the Celtics.
– **Limited Scoring:** Joel Embiid was held to just 11 points, and the team’s overall scoring was heavily reliant on Tyrese Maxey, who scored 20 points but lacked support.
What This Victory Means for the Celtics
This commanding victory serves as a significant confidence booster for the Boston Celtics as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Here are some key takeaways:
- **Team Chemistry:** The seamless ball movement and unselfish play indicate strong team chemistry, essential for a successful season.
- **Depth and Versatility:** The ability to rely on a deep bench enhances Boston’s chances of success in the grueling NBA season. Players like Pritchard and Grant Williams provide valuable minutes and scoring options.
– **Setting the Tone:** This victory sends a message to the rest of the league that the Celtics are a force to be reckoned with.
Benefits of Preseason Wins
Winning in the preseason can significantly benefit a team’s morale and preparation. Here are some key advantages:
– **Building Momentum:** A strong preseason record can instill confidence in players, making them more resilient when the regular season begins.
– **Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses:** Coaches can evaluate player performances and make necessary adjustments before the season starts.
– **Experimentation:** Preseason games are an opportunity to try out different lineups and strategies without the pressure of regular-season stakes.
Case Study: Previous Celtics vs. 76ers Matchups
Historically, the Celtics and 76ers have had intense matchups. Analyzing past performances can provide insights into their rivalry:
| Season | Result | Key Player Performance |
|——–|———————|—————————-|
| 2021 | Celtics 117 – 109 | Jayson Tatum: 27 points |
| 2020 | Celtics 112 – 95 | Jaylen Brown: 22 points |
| 2019 | Celtics 118 – 115 | Kyrie Irving: 31 points |
The Celtics’ recent victory over the 76ers continues to build on their historical success in matchup scenarios.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans of the Boston Celtics expressed their excitement and optimism after witnessing this dominating performance. Social media was abuzz with comments highlighting:
– **Jayson Tatum’s MVP Potential:** Many fans believe Tatum is poised for an MVP-caliber season based on his current form.
– **Defensive Improvements:** Supporters are thrilled with the team’s defensive strides, noting the significant drop in opponent scoring.
– **Depth of Talent:** Fans are excited about the depth of the roster, which should provide advantages throughout the season.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Celtics
With the preseason progressing, the Celtics will need to maintain this momentum. Key areas to focus on include:
– **Consistency:** Establishing a consistent offensive and defensive rhythm as the regular season approaches.
– **Injury Management:** Keeping players healthy and managing minutes, especially for key contributors.
– **Strategic Development:** Continuing to refine offensive and defensive strategies to adapt to different opponents.
As the Boston Celtics continue their preseason campaign, fans and analysts will be eagerly watching to see if they can maintain this high level of play as they aim for a successful 2023-2024 NBA season.
