Big Celtics Win Over 76ers
IPhiladelphia 76ers started their NBA season with a convincing victory over the Boston Celtics 107-93.
76ers’s point guard Ben Simmons, had a dominant performance scoring 24 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists.
Both teams played extremely hard and demonstrated why there was a lot of buzz, plus anticipation within NBA circles for this particular matchup.
Simmons appeared eager to showcase all of his offensive weaponry he worked on this past off-season. He punished the Celtics guards Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart down low on the blocks whenever switches occurred. He finished strong when driving to the basket and his overall management of facilitating the offense was outstanding. As a result, all five 76er starters finished with double digit points.
The Celtics’ on offensive functioned in a very stagnant state and was reduced to taking long jump shots or simply relying on one-on-one matchups to generate points. So much so at times I pondered whether I was watching summer tournament play at Malcolm X Park in Roxbury, then opening night in the NBA. Especially in the first half of the contest.
From the first Celtics possession, it was clear small forward Jason Tatum, was highly encouraged by players and coaches to be aggressive on offense. Tatum, took heed and shot 10 of his 22 field goal attempts in the first quarter. Tatum finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds shooting 8 for 22 from the field and 4 for 8 from 3 point land.
Celtic’s shooting guard Gordon Hayward showed some promise scoring 25 points, while newly acquired point guard Kemba Walker struggled to get into his offensive groove. Small forward Jaylen Brown finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, but his foul trouble and his absence on the floor was certainly costly.
Needless to say lackluster results were produced as the Celtics as a team shot a dismal 37-85(43.5%) from the field and 7-29(24.1%).
Philadelphia 76ers defense was tough and their energy grew stronger as the game progressed. Former Celtics power forward/center Al Horford, was solid all game and was exhibiting for all his teammates to mimic what championship basketball looks like. All NBA 2nd team 2018-2019 selection Center Joel Embiid, showed great resiliency playing through a busted lip and still managed to score 15 points and grab 13 rebounds is only 23 minutes on the court.
Celtics defense was also very demanding but was not dependable. In spite of Enes Kanter looks like he will be a valuable additional on both ends of the court. Kanter played tenacious defense and contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds.
All in all, what a wonderful way to start the season. The NBA is back and these two teams are scheduled to be in the thick of things.