BOSTON — The Philadelphia 76ers visited the TD Garden to begin the Eastern Conference semifinals looking to steal a game without their best player, Joel Embiid. The Celtics, who took three out of four from Philadelphia in the regular season, are a big challenge in this postseason.
The Sixers stayed in this one despite Boston shooting a ridiculous 71.8% from the floor in the first half. Philadelphia was only down three at halftime. Eventually, James Harden led one helluva victory, 119-115, and Philadelphia took the 1-0 series lead. The Beard had 45 points on 17-for-30 shooting and six assists to lead Philadelphia.
De’Anthony Melton provided a big lift with 17 points off the bench. Tobias Harris added 18 points and five rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey had 26 points. Paul Reed had 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Here are the player grades following the impressive win: