Three reasons the Sixers beat Boston
The Celtics had no answer for Joel Embiid, and Danny Green had an efficient shooting night.
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The 76ers began their four-game road trip Tuesday night with an impressive showing on both ends of the court during a 106-96 victory over the Boston Celtics.
Here are three reasons for the win:
Feed Embiid
Boston used a wide variety of defenders on Joel Embiid, and nobody could handle him. The Sixers continually fed Embiid, and when he wasn’t hitting shots, he was drawing fouls.
Even when Boston double-teamed Embiid, it often didn’t matter. This play is an example. Embiid just overpowered Luke Kornet, and even Jaylen Brown, attempting to double, couldn’t stop him from making the emphatic dunk.
Here is more power down low from Embiid.
With 20, Embiid attempted two more free throws than the entire Celtics team, and he made as many foul shots (16) as the Celtics did.
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Efficiency of Danny Green
Whenever the Celtics appeared to be getting some momentum, Danny Green often hit a big three-pointer. He scored 17 points and attempted just seven shots, which is great efficiency. Green shot 6-for-7, including 5-for-6 from three-point range.
On this three-pointer, Green made a veteran move, using a pump fake to get Semi Ojeleye to overcommit and then calmly hit the open shot.
Green finished with a game-high plus-21 rating.
Celtics’ decision-making
While the Sixers played strong defense, Boston was extremely careless with the ball. This play is a prime example.
The Celtics often tried to make the perfect pass where there was little room and the Sixers would predictably intercept. That is what happened on this pass by Robert Williams.
Boston committed a season-high 22 turnovers, leading to 21 Sixers points.
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On offense, Boston basically became a jump-shooting team. Whether it was Embiid or Dwight Howard at center, Boston didn’t want to challenge the Sixers by going to the basket. The Celtics shot a more than respectable 41.2% from three-point range, but attempted only 18 free throws, 21 fewer than the Sixers.