The Boston Celtics opened their 2024 NBA Eastern Conference playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a commanding 123-91 victory at TD Garden in Boston on April 20, 2024. The lopsided result marked one of the most dominant postseason performances by Boston in recent memory, setting an early tone in the best-of-seven matchup. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 30 points, while Jaylen Brown added 26 and Derrick White contributed 19 off the bench. The Celtics shot 52% from the field and 40% from three-point range, holding Philadelphia to just 38% shooting overall.
Philadelphia struggled offensively throughout, with Joel Embiid limited to 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting and Tyrese Maxey scoring 15 points on 5-of-16 attempts. The 76ers committed 18 turnovers, which Boston converted into 24 points. Defensively, Boston’s switching schemes disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm, particularly in the second half when the Celtics outscored the 76ers 68-38 after intermission. The victory gave Boston a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 in Philadelphia.
According to official NBA play-by-play data, the Celtics led wire-to-wire, never trailing after the opening basket. Boston’s bench outscored Philadelphia’s reserves 38-16, highlighting the depth advantage that proved critical in the blowout. The win improved Boston’s postseason record to 4-1, including their sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round. Philadelphia dropped to 0-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tatum and Brown Anchor Celtics’ Offensive Surge
Jayson Tatum’s 30-point performance came on efficient shooting — 11-of-20 from the field and 6-of-10 from three — marking his highest scoring output in a playoff game since the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. Jaylen Brown complemented Tatum with 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Together, the duo accounted for 45% of Boston’s total offense.
“We came out with a sense of urgency,” Tatum said in his postgame press conference. “We knew they’d try to physical us early, but we stayed disciplined and moved the ball well.” Brown emphasized defensive intensity: “We wanted to make them uncomfortable every time they touched the ball. When we do that, our offense flows.”
The Celtics’ offensive execution was bolstered by 28 assists on 45 made field goals, reflecting a 62% assist rate — one of the highest in a playoff game this season. Derrick White’s 19 points included four three-pointers, while Jrue Holiday added 12 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals, continuing his reputation as one of the league’s premier two-way guards.
Embiid Struggles Under Boston’s Defensive Scheme
Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, faced relentless double-teams and aggressive closeouts throughout the game. He finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists but shot just 32% from the field. Boston frequently sent help defense when Embiid received the ball in the post, forcing him into difficult passes or contested jumpers.
“We knew we had to make him work for everything,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. “We weren’t going to let him get easy looks in the paint. Our guys did a great job rotating and staying connected.” Embiid acknowledged the challenge: “They were physical, they were aggressive, and they made me take tough shots. I’ve got to be better.”
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s second-leading scorer during the regular season, managed only 15 points and committed 5 turnovers. The 76ers as a team shot 29% from three-point range (7-of-24), continuing a trend of inconsistent perimeter shooting that plagued them during the latter half of the regular season.
Series Implications and Adjustments Ahead
The 32-point margin of victory tied for the largest in an NBA playoff game since 2020 and marked the Celtics’ biggest playoff win since a 34-point victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. Historically, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-seven series by 15 or more points travel on to win the series approximately 75% of the time, according to NBA.com’s historical playoff data.
Looking ahead to Game 2, Philadelphia will demand to address its offensive stagnation and improve ball security. Coach Nick Nurse indicated adjustments are coming: “We’ll seem at how we initiate offense, get Embiid more touches in advantageous spots, and simplify our decision-making.” Boston, meanwhile, aims to maintain its defensive intensity while continuing to exploit mismatches in transition.
Injury updates remain minimal for both squads. Embiid played through minor discomfort in his left knee but was not listed as questionable on the injury report. Boston’s Kristaps Porziņģis did not play due to ongoing recovery from a calf strain sustained earlier in the playoffs, though Mazzulla expressed optimism about his availability later in the series.
The Eastern Conference semifinals continue with Game 2 scheduled for April 22, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast nationally on ESPN and streamed via the NBA app.
As the series shifts to Philadelphia, both teams face critical adjustments. For Boston, sustaining this level of execution will test the depth and focus of a roster aiming for its first NBA title since 2008. For Philadelphia, avoiding a 0-2 deficit requires immediate answers on offense — particularly involving Embiid and Maxey — or risk facing an uphill battle few teams have overcome in recent playoff history.
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