Celtics Blow Game 5 With Disastrous Fourth Quarter Vs. 76ers originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are headed back to Philly.
The Celtics led for most of Game 5 at TD Garden, but were unable to close out the 76ers on their home floor. They were outscored by 17 points in the fourth quarter and 23 points in the second half, coughing up a double-digit lead in the third quarter and losing 113-97.
It was the second straight ugly home loss for Boston, which also dropped Game 2 at TD Garden by a nearly identical score. The Celtics went cold in the second half of both games but completely unraveled in the fourth quarter on Tuesday, scoring just 11 points.
They were outplayed in almost every category and struggled on defense, allowing far too many open 3-pointers, much like Game 2.
Jaylen Brown in the 4th quarter:10 minutes2 points0/6 FG-14Lost us this game.
Boston had no answer for Joel Embiid, especially in the second half. He led all scorers with 33 points while also notching eight assists and four rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also had a big double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Quentin Grimes scored 18 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum played well for the Celtics with 24 points and 16 rebounds, but he didn't have much help. Jaylen Brown had 22 points but went just 9-for-23 from the floor, while Neemias Queta grabbed 14 rebounds despite getting into foul trouble. Derrick White remained ice-cold, scoring just six points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Game 6 will be on Thursday. Fortunately for Boston, it's been excellent on the road this year and won both games in Philly last week, so the Celtics are still in good shape as they look to close out the series.
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