A Rough Return: Sixers Fall to Celtics 124-104
The Philadelphia 76ers’ return from the All-Star break did not go as scripted, as they suffered a demoralizing defeat to the Boston Celtics, losing 124-104 at Wells Fargo Center. This was the sixth consecutive loss for the struggling 20-35 Sixers, who seemed to struggle in multiple facets of the game. Paul George led the Sixers with 17 points, while Tyrese Maxey contributed 16 points and seven assists. On the other side, the 40-16 Celtics were led by Payton Pritchard, who had a career-high 28 points. Jayson Tatum delivered a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Jaylen Brown added 20 points.
Injuries Pile Up, New Additions on the Horizon
The Sixers were already short-handed heading into the game, with Justin Edwards (left ankle sprain), Kyle Lowry (right hip injury management), Eric Gordon (right wrist sprain), and Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery) all sidelined. Head coach Nick Nurse mentioned pregame that Gordon has seen two specialists, and the team is still uncertain about the best course of treatment for his wrist injury. There’s a possibility that Gordon could be out long term, adding another layer of complexity to the Sixers’ roster management. However, there’s a hint of optimism with the anticipated addition of Lonnie Walker IV, who is expected to be available for the team’s game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Walker’s name plate, adorned with the number 16, is already placed in the locker room next to Ricky Council IV’s.
Early Defensive Struggles
The Sixers’ defense was slow to find its footing in the opening quarter. Boston came out firing, starting 4 for 4 from the field and quickly building an 11-5 lead with a three-pointer from Derrick White and a pair of free throws from Jaylen Brown. Despite Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey playing the entire first quarter, the Sixers found themselves trailing. Boston’s shooting was particularly lethal, hitting 8 of 12 three-pointers in the first quarter, which allowed them to establish a double-digit lead early on. The Sixers’ belated closeouts and inability to disrupt Boston’s rhythm were evident, setting a difficult tone for the rest of the game.
Long-Range Woes
The Sixers’ offensive struggles were compounded by their poor shooting from beyond the arc. Andre Drummond substituted as the backup center to start the second quarter, with Quentin Grimes serving as the backup point guard and Jared Butler not playing in the first half. Grimes, who started the game, also had the unenviable task of defending Tatum. Without Edwards, Ricky Council IV returned to the Sixers’ wing rotation, and Guerschon Yabusele played primarily as a power forward off the bench. Despite Maxey’s aggressive and effective spurt late in the second quarter, the Sixers were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities from long range. They managed just 3 of 17 threes in the first half and a dismal 20.5 percent (8 for 39) for the game, a season-low. This long-range disparity made it challenging to keep pace with the Celtics, who were finding their shots with ease.
A Non-Competitive Second Half
The second half was a stark reminder of the Sixers’ current struggles. Early in the third quarter, Quentin Grimes fouled Derrick White on a corner three attempt, and a Brown wing jumper extended the Celtics’ lead to 85-60. The Celtics’ offense continued to thrive, slicing through any defensive schemes the Sixers employed, including heavy doses of zone. By the time Nurse brought in David Roddy and Jared Butler, the game was already well out of reach. Butler and Roddy missed their first seven field goals as a duo, and even a potential hot streak would have been too little, too late. The Sixers’ lack of defensive presence and offensive firepower in the second half sealed their fate, and they were unable to mount any significant comeback.
Embiid’s Impact and Future Considerations
Joel Embiid was noticeably absent from the fourth quarter, having contributed just 15 points on 3-for-9 shooting, along with four assists and three rebounds. The Sixers are now 8-10 in games where Embiid has played and 12-25 without him, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. Despite Embiid’s struggles in this particular game, his presence remains crucial for the Sixers, both offensively and defensively. Postgame, it was reported that with David Roddy’s 10-day contract expiring, the Sixers are signing him to a two-way deal, which could provide some much-needed depth and versatility off the bench. As the Sixers look to turn their season around, addressing their shooting and defensive issues, along with managing injuries and integrating new players, will be paramount.
