This wasn’t how the first three meetings between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers went, at all.
The Celtics came out aggressive and quickly built a big lead after third-year swingman Jayson Tatum went off for nine points in under two minutes.
They never trailed again.
There were flashy dunks, including one on former Celtic Al Horford by Jayson Tatum, and even a little Tacko Fall playing time late in the fourth — the fans began clamoring for him in the third quarter, when the lead grew to 21 late in the frame.
Jaylen Brown had a near career-high with 32 points and 9 boards.
Despite having no Kemba Walker due to knee soreness, Boston fared much better than in the two team’s previous meetings this season. The 76ers played a disorganized, often listless brand of basketball in the absence of Philadelphia shooting guard Josh Richardson, out with a strained hamstring.
Tatum explodes for the poster jam in tonight’s @JetBlue Play of the Game! pic.twitter.com/DhHwsg9jkg
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 2, 2020
The Celtics were lead by Brown’s 32 and 9, and Tatum added 25 points of his own.
Guard Marcus Smart added 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and reserve guard Brad Wanamaker had a season-high 15 points.
Ben Simmons carried Philadelphia with 23 points, 9 boards and 5 assists, while Joel Embiid had an off night with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Backup wing Furkan Korkmaz added 14 points for the Sixers.
The Boston Celtics next face the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Monday, February 3rd at 7:30 pm ET.
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