5 takeaways as Jayson Tatum, Celtics hold off 76ers in a gritty win

Here are the takeaways as the Celtics held on for a gritty 88-87 victory behind Jayson Tatum’s 26-point performance against the 76ers on Wednesday.

1. The final possession of the game was a masterclass in defense. The Celtics, leading by one, just needed a stop to win, and the Sixers had roughly six seconds to work with. Al Horford got screened off Joel Embiid before the inbound pass, leaving Jaylen Brown on an island against the enormous center. Horford recognized the issue and pressed up high against Tobias Harris — cutting off Harris’ airspace, which kept the ball out of the post. Embiid battled Brown to no avail.

The Sixers still nearly got a great look. While Embiid fought for position…