As expected, everything has been left on the court in the Eastern Conference matchup between the Sixers and Celtics. After Philly took Game 1, the Celtics responded by jumping out to a 2-1 series lead. It's pitted MVP Joel Embiid against some of his fiercest competition of the season as both teams tried to take one step closer to an NBA title.
May 7's Game 4 was an overtime thriller. Despite the Sixers carrying a nine-point lead into the half, Boston was able to get themselves back into the game and end regulation at 107-107. The defenses ramped up in the extra period with the teams combining for just 17 points as the Sixers managed to scrap out a 116-115 lead to even the series. That would mean Game 5, hosted by Boston, would allow one team to control their own destiny.
Sixers Take Game 5
Both teams had big performances in Game 5. Joel Embiid absolutely balled out for the Sixers, putting up 33 points and 7 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey wasn't far behind him, scoring 30 and adding another 7 boards. Elsewhere, James Harden and Tobias Harris both put up double-doubles. However, the Celtics' Jayson Tatum led all scorers with a 36-point double-double. His teammate Jaylen Brown scored 24. However, Tatum and Brown didn't have the depth to rely on like the Sixers. The only other Celtic to reach double digits was Marcus Smart. Al Horford in particular had an awful night, playing just 25 minutes and going 0-for-7 on shots.
- Read More: Suns facing elimination after Game 5 loss
The lack of depth contribution from the Celtics cost the team dearly. Boston held the lead once in the entire game and trailed from the 90-second mark onwards. They were outrebounded by 13 and were unable to find answers for Philly at either end of the court. If the Celtics don't want to see their season end in Philadelphia, they need to find and new strategy and fast. The potentially series-ending Game 6 takes place at Wells Fargo Center on May 11. ESPN analytics give the Sixers the end, while oddsmakers back Boston as slight favorites.
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