As much as the Celtics kept it interesting until the very end, they shouldn't have left Philly with their 25th loss of the season. Even with Joel Embiid's strong performance, Boston let the 76ers have that 103-101 win. Speaking of Embiid, the game's two biggest takeaways center around his showing.
Philly's star went 20-for-25 from the floor. While 52 points isn't his season-high, Tuesday's game was his most efficient of 2022-23. The first thing that jumps out after getting past the impressiveness of his performance: Even with Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams out, Philly needed that type of performance from Embiid to beat Boston. And again, the 76ers still should not have won that game.
Also, as much as the Celtics never let up, they didn't adjust in how they approached Embiid all game. In the middle of the season, that'd be a problem. Right now, with the Celtics almost cemented as the No. 2 seed in the East and on a collision course with the 76ers, that's the right move from Joe Mazzulla. Let Embiid show his hand, and allow him to think he can take that 15-foot shot whenever he wants. Sure, the Celtics are better off letting him have that than shots by the rim, but there's no chance he'll get that many clean looks from his spot consistently throughout a playoff series.
After that, it really comes down to shooting. Leaving points at the free-throw line simply can't happen. Missing 6 of 16 attempts is inexcusable. Two misses apiece from Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brodgon.
Speaking of Smart … you know what, everyone knows at this point. Yeah, 2-for-7 from deep isn't his worst night, but some of those attempts weren't ideal. He wasn't alone in that regard, but Smart's shot selection always stands out.
And while they didn't get the win, Tuesday was a little reminder this team absolutely never gives up. What an ending.
All in all, this was the first time Boston lost to the 76ers in four tries. It took the Celtics not playing their best and Embiid doing the opposite — with Brown and Time Lord out — for Philadelphia to finally beat Boston this season. A frustrating loss, and one that should give the C's some helpful info for when these two teams meet in the playoffs, but far from concerning.
