Boston’s offense may have been red hot for most of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but listless defense and unforced errors allowed Philadelphia a chance to hang around. That, plus a 45-point performance from James Harden kept the game close right until the final horn.
The Sixers were without All-Star center Joel Embiid, who is dealing with a knee injury. His absence was sorely felt on both ends of the floor for Philly, and the Celtics capitalized with 66 points in the paint. (Embiid’s status for Game 2 remains unclear.) But Boston couldn’t get out of its own way. The Celtics coughed up 16 turnovers, resulting in 20 points for the Sixers.
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With the loss, Philadelphia has functionally earned home court advantage for the rest of the series, a devastating blow for a Boston team hungry to find redemption for last season’s transgressions. Here are three takeaways from the Celtics 119-115 Game 1 loss.
May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball while Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) defends in the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Boston’s offense
The Celtics came out with purpose, attacking a much smaller Philadelphia roster. Boston shot 17-for-20 from the field in the opening quarter alone, relentlessly attacking the rim. Boston’s 40 points in the paint in the first half is the highest mark in the entire NBA this season. The Celtics should have won the game handily.
Instead, unforced errors plagued Boston. Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown together combined for 10 turnovers, kneecapping any chance for the Celtics to capitalize on their hot shooting. In fact, Boston’s effective field goal percent was 65%, the highest mark in a losing effort in NBA postseason history.
This is a familiar story for the Celtics, and represents a major barrier between the team and its ultimate goal. Boston may have the talent to go the distance, but turnovers and silly errors remain a major…
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