Missing pair of stars, Celtics still sink Sixers

Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, including a three-pointer with 1:11 remaining for an eight-point cushion, as the shorthanded Boston Celtics defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 117-107, on Wednesday night, November 15 (Thursday, November 16, Manila time).

Derrick White added 27 points and Jrue Holiday contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds. Al Horford had 14 points and 5 blocked shots for the Celtics, who have won four games in a row.

Horford and Holiday each had a key blocked shot in the final 1:30.

The Celtics played without starters Jaylen Brown (non-COVID illness) and Kristaps Porzingis (knee).

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey pumped in 20 points apiece to lead the Sixers, who dropped two games in a row after an eight-game winning streak.

Robert Covington, De’Anthony Melton, and Tobias Harris each netted 16 for the Sixers, while Paul Reed also scored 10.

The Sixers closed within 89-88 with 8:41 left when Melton knocked down a three-pointer from the corner.

White immediately responded with a trey and added a short jumper for a 94-88 Celtics advantage with 7:47 left.

Tatum made two free throws with 3:14 remaining for a 107-100 edge.

The Celtics bolted out to a 37-22 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Sixers sliced the deficit to 47-42 just over midway through the second.

Reed hit a rare three-pointer with 4:37 left, and the Sixers trailed 49-45.

Harris converted a three-point play and a basket in the lane for the Sixers, who pulled ahead 53-52 with 2:05 remaining.

White scored for the Celtics on their next possession, and they went back ahead by one.

The Sixers led 58-57 at halftime thanks in large part to Harris’ team-high 12 first-half points.

Holiday paced the Celtics with 13.

The Celtics took a 78-73 advantage with 3:50 to go in the third quarter when Tatum knocked down a three-pointer from the wing. Holiday soon hit a layup for a seven-point lead at 80-73.

Boston surged to an 83-75 lead at the end of the third. – Rappler.com