Pit against a Joel Embiid-less, Tyrese Maxey-less Philadelphia 76ers squad, the Boston Celtics dragged their feet through the mud. For the first half of the game, they struggled with turnovers and allowed the short-handed Sixers free reign in the painted area.
Philadelphia dropped 72 points in the first half, by far the most Boston has allowed in a single half this year. Led by Patrick Beverley and De’Anthony Melton, the 76ers were getting under the Celtics’ skin. All the while, the game was getting under Jayson Tatum’s.
With 3:50 remaining in the first quarter, Tatum picked up his first technical.