3 observations after Sixers blow 26-point lead, lose to Celtics

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3 observations after Sixers blow 26-point lead, lose to Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers played a great game for most of the night Sunday.

Ultimately, that didn’t last for long enough.

The Celtics erased a 26-point deficit and snagged a 118-110 comeback win at Wells Fargo Center.

The Sixers fell to 10 games under .500 at 19-29. Boston improved to 20 games over .500 at 35-15.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 34 points. Guerschon Yabusele added 21.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum recorded 35 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Jaylen Brown had 21 points, 10 boards and six assists.

The Sixers had seven men out Sunday night. Eric Gordon (left knee soreness) was a new addition to their list of sidelined players.

Head coach Nick Nurse said pregame that each of the players out (besides Jared McCain) did on-court work Saturday and he’s “hopeful” all will return this week. Joel Embiid (left knee injury management) and Paul George (left pinkie finger extensor tendon strain) were again among the players shooting jumpers on the floor before the game.

The Sixers will next play on Tuesday night and host the Mavs, who just made the shocking decision to trade away Luka Doncic and acquire Anthony Davis.

Here are observations on their loss to Boston:

Springer comes on to guard Maxey

Maxey’s first quarter was right in line with his recent play. He entered the night averaging 32.3 points over his last 13 games and fresh off a 42-point performance vs. the Nuggets.

Justin Edwards helped him break the Sixers’ ice, grabbing an offensive rebound that led to a Maxey three-pointer. Ricky Council IV, making his fourth career NBA start, also added five straight points in the early going.

Maxey then had a sensational stretch, scoring a tricky and-one layup, a pull-up transition three and a long-distance jumper over Al Horford that gave the Sixers a 21-10 lead. He finished the first quarter with 16 points.

Jaden Springer subbed in following a Celtics timeout and defended his former teammate. Springer missed a couple of wide-open corner threes, but he played good, physical defense on Maxey. Boston got a few stops…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-blow-26-203720407.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2025-02-02 20:37:00

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