Philadelphia 76ers evened their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics with a 111-97 victory in Game 2 at TD Garden on Tuesday night. The win came after the Celtics took Game 1 by a score of 123-91, setting up a tightly contested series as both teams headed to Philadelphia for Game 3.
The 76ers showcased a dramatic improvement from beyond the arc, shooting 19-of-39 (49 percent) from three-point range after making only four three-pointers in the entire Game 1. This surge in long-range shooting proved decisive in overcoming a Celtics team that struggled from deep, connecting on just 13-of-50 attempts (26 percent).
VJ Edgecombe led all scorers with 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting, while Tyrese Maxey added 29 points for Philadelphia. On the losing side, Jaylen Brown delivered a game-high 36 points in a valiant effort and Jayson Tatum recorded 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists—falling just one assist shy of a triple-double.
The Celtics, who entered the game with a strong home playoff record, fell to just 3-5 in their last eight Game 2 appearances at TD Garden. Despite the loss, Boston’s star duo combined for 55 of the team’s 97 points, highlighting their individual brilliance even in defeat.
Following the game, analysts noted the shift in momentum and the importance of adjusting to the 76ers’ offensive rhythm. As noted by Celtics insiders on the Celtics Talk Podcast, the team will require to improve perimeter defense and ball movement heading into Game 3.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET in Philadelphia, where the 76ers will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and the momentum gained from the road victory in Boston.
The series now stands at 1-1, with both teams aware that adjustments in the coming games could determine which franchise advances to the next round. For fans and analysts alike, the rematch in Philadelphia promises to be a pivotal moment in the first-round matchup.
Stay updated on the latest developments in the NBA playoffs by following trusted sports sources and sharing your thoughts on how the series unfolds.