"The Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: A Game-Changing 3-1 Series Lead and the Details that Decided the NBA Playoffs"

2023-05-08 01:28:00

The Boston Celtics missed the 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers. Thanks to a three by James Harden, the score is now 2-2. In this game-changing scene, Harden was given too much space by Jaylen Brown. After the game, Brown wrestled with the decision to double up Joel Embiid rather than stick with his opponent.

In the end, it’s always the details that make the difference in tight games. So also in the fourth game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. Had Marcus Smart hit the buzzerbeater at the end of regulation time, Boston would have thrown the goal wide open for the next round. If Smart had gotten rid of the buzzerbeater a tenth of a second earlier in extra time, coach Joe Mazzulla’s team would not have had to blame themselves. Smart’s second buzzerbeater was successful, but too late. But as bitter as the final scene was, the 53 minutes before and especially the first three quarters of it were decisive for the defeat. The Celtics won the last quarter 24:15, and they kept the game open even in overtime.

Jayson Tatum seemed to have put his team on the road to victory with his three-pointer to make it 115-113. Even if Tatum had prevented Tyrese Maxey from defending with his arm. A clear foul for 76ers coach Doc Rivers: “It was incredible that Jayson Tatum’s three-pointer didn’t call for the push-off,” said 76ers coach Doc Rivers. “I’m a big fan of the fact that the referees don’t decide who wins or loses, but the action could have decided the game.”

To avoid another overtime, the 76ers needed a three-pointer. And maybe the game would have gone into the second overtime if Jaylen Brown had stayed in the corner with his opponent James Harden. Instead, he doubled the ball carrier Joel Embiid together with Jayson Tatum. Surrounded by two defenders, Embiid didn’t finish himself, fit out of the zone into the corner and found the free-standing Harden. Before Brown could prevent his nominal opponent from throwing, Harden was already in the throwing motion and scored 116:115.

“I just misjudged the situation. I took too many risks at the wrong time. It was a big hit from James Harden, but that’s my fault. I take full responsibility,” admitted Jaylen Brown after the game.

“I just want to win. Today it was a do-or-die game for us,” said James Harden afterwards. With 42 points (16/23 FG), 9 assists and 8 rebounds, he even narrowly missed a 40-point triple-double. After 45 points in the first game, Harden followed up with 12 in game two and 16 in game three. In the series he stands at 28.8 points.