The Philadelphia 76ers struggled to find their footing in their first game post-All-Star break, suffering a 124-104 defeat to the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. This loss marks their sixth consecutive defeat, leaving the Sixers with a disappointing 20-35 record for the season.
Paul George topped the Sixers’ scoring chart with 17 points, closely followed by Tyrese Maxey, who contributed 16 points along with seven assists. However, the night was dominated by the Celtics, with Payton Pritchard leading all scorers with 28 points. Jayson Tatum had a triple-double, recording 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 20 points to his team’s tally.
The Sixers faced significant challenges with player availability, as Justin Edwards, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and Jared McCain were all sidelined due to injuries. Coach Nick Nurse mentioned that Gordon has visited two specialists for his ongoing wrist issue, and the outcome remains uncertain, potentially indicating a long-term absence from the lineup.
The game began with the Sixers allowing a number of open shots, leading to a quick 9-0 run from the Celtics. Their defense fell short, conceding 36 points in both the first and second quarters, while Boston capitalized on their opportunities, especially from beyond the arc, shooting 67% (8 for 12) on three-pointers in the opening period. The Sixers managed a mere 20.5% on three-point attempts throughout the game, significantly impacting their chances of competing with the Celtics.
Despite some brief moments of aggressive play late in the second quarter from Maxey, the team’s struggles persisted. In addition to their long-range shooting woes, the inability to secure defensive stops allowed the Celtics to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the contest.
The second half saw little change as the Celtics continued to control the game. Nurse turned to younger players in hopes of igniting a comeback, but the efforts of David Roddy and Jared Butler couldn’t shift the game’s momentum. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid had a quiet night, scoring just 15 points on 3-for-9 shooting, and staying on the bench during crucial stretches of the fourth quarter.
Looking forward, the Sixers hope to regain competitive form as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets in their next match. The anticipated arrival of Lonnie Walker IV may provide some much-needed depth and energy, as Nurse expects him to be available for the matchup, potentially improving the team’s chances of breaking their losing streak.