The words “frustrated,” “angry,” and “pissed” were some of the bleak verbiage muttered from players and coaches of the Celtics following their Game 1 loss to Philadelphia. Boston wanted to make a statement in Game 2, and they did so with their 121-87 victory.
Philadelphia led for all of just 1:24 in Boston’s wire-to-wire win, a game in which Jayson Tatum finished with just seven points.
There was a clear emphasis on remaining focused and playing with intensity for a full 48 minutes, as well as cleaning up their sloppy play entering Game 2, and Boston checked all those boxes.
At shootaround prior to Game 2, Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon both harped on the Celtics needing to improve on the defensive end. Boston did just that, as they responded in a big way on that end of the floor, holding Philadelphia to just 87 points on 31-for-79 (39.2%) shooting, forced 11 turnovers and recorded eight blocks.
“Defense is all about pride,” Jaylen Brown said. “Defense is all about effort.”
Philadelphia’s 86 points are the fewest they have scored in a game this postseason, and are also the fewest allowed by Boston this postseason.
Game 2 is a little bit more of what is to be expected between these two teams defensively. Both are very good on the defensive end. Boston finished the season second in total defense, and Philadelphia was right behind them in third. In their four games this season, Philadelphia only averaged 106.5 points per game against Boston, which would have been good for worst in the NBA.
Boston also looked much sharper on the offensive end. After totalling 16 turnovers in Game 1 — which resulted in 20 points for Philadelphia — Boston totalled just just turnovers in Game 2, which is tied for third-fewest in franchise postseason history. Boston is now 11-3 this season, including the playoffs, when they turn the ball over fewer than 10 times.
The Celtics were also finally able to string together a solid third quarter. Entering Game 2, Boston had been outscored 204-179 in the third quarter this postseason. The Celtics have had chances throughout these playoffs to really put away their opponents, but they have failed to do so due to slow starts to the second half.
Wednesday night was a different story. Boston led by eight points at the half, and their lead ballooned all the way up to 27 by the end of the third quarter.
Boston completely dominated the third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 35-16. Led by Derrick White (10 points), and Malcolm Brogdon (nine points), Boston shot 13-for-26 (50%) from the field and 7-for-15 (46.7%) from three. Boston owned Philadelphia in all facets of the game in the third quarter, as they were able to land a knockout blow.
If Boston can maintain their intensity and focus for a full 48 minutes the way they did in Game 2, it’s going to be really tough to beat this team.