Highs and Lows

     With Joel Embiid on the bench, the 76ers weren't expected to do much. In front of electric Celtics fans, their main goal was to represent the organization as best as possible. As in, not lose by +30 points. 

    They didn't even seem to notice that Celtics fans were in the building.

    James Harden dropped a 45 point game on the unsuspecting Celtics. Jayson Tatum's 39 points were not enough for the win. The Sixers were down by a point, until Harden calmly sunk a three to put them up by two, 117-115. Paul Reed made two free throws to make the score 119-115. Reed finished with 13 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey logged 26 points. De'Anthony Melton nailed five threes, on only six attempts, and Tobias Harris had 18 points. The 76ers stunned the Celtics on the road, and made sure Boston knew that they wouldn't go down without a fight.

    Boston may have made a mistake, but they wouldn't make it twice. A 121-87 demolition derby spoiled Joel Embiid's return, and ended the Sixers' scrappy confidence. The Sixers managed only six three pointers, while the Celtics reached 20. James Harden scored only 12 points, and Embiid had a meager three rebounds and 15 points. The 76ers were unable to answer to the Malcom Brogdon's 23 points and Jaylen Brown's 25. The Sixers reached only 13 assists, and could not get up by two games to the favored Boston team. 

    It couldn't get much worse, but it didn't get much better. Embiid dropped 30 points and 13 rebounds on Boston, but could not deliver a win. Harden's 16 points and 11 assists were similar to his last game. On his own, Harden plays like a star, in a leader role. With Joel Embiid, he gets less looks and doesn't pour in as many points. At home, the Sixers couldn't get the much needed win. Jayson Tatum had 10 rebounds and 27 points, pushing his team to a win on the road, silencing Philly fans. 

    The Sixers could not afford going down 3-1 to a fierce Celtics squad. And they won in the most momentum changing way possible. After being behind for most of the game, the Celtics drove back, and were up 107-105. Harden had a clutch floater, which tied the game 107-107, and sent the game to overtime. In overtime, Jayson Tatum escaped with an obvious offensive charge, and drained a three. Down 115-113, Harden received a pass in the corner, and launched a beautiful shot. All you could hear was swish, and then insane crowd noise. The 116-115 score would be how the game would finish, and a Marcus Smart three went in, but after the buzzer. Jayson Tatum's 18 rebounds and 24 points didn't give the Celtics the win. Embiid put up 34 points and 13 rebounds. Harden poured in 42 points, eight boards, and nine assists. Tyrese Maxey scored 14 points and added eight rebounds. 

Harden for three! Harden's clutch three pointers in game 1 and 4 has led to an even series

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Inquirer

    Game four was the most encouraging, because finally the Sixers are actually playing together. They are finally working well together, and playing strongly. Embiid is not dragging the team down, and Harden isn't slumping. The 76ers are finally starting to turn this series around. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above photo was taken from a Philadelphia Inquirer article. Photo taken by Yong Kim/Staff Photographer. Article written by Gina Mizell. Image used for commentary.