BOSTON — The Boston Celtics had a chance to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, yet their offense completely collapsed down the stretch, resulting in a 113-97 loss in Game 5 of the first-round series.
The Green Team finished with just 11 points in the final frame and everything looked difficult for them. Celtics star Jayson Tatum still managed 24 points and 16 rebounds in the loss while fellow star guard Jaylen Brown had 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Although Boston usually thrives on the margins, it lost the turnover battle (12-10), didn't hit as many 3-pointers (11 to the Sixers' 15), and recorded 0 blocks while the 76ers notched 3. All of these little things added up to a rough shooting night and a home loss that makes the series 3-2 in Boston's favor.
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As for the 76ers, they shot 50 percent from the floor and were boosted by star center Joel Embiid, who tallied 33 points and 8 assists in just his second game back since having an appendectomy in early April. Sixers star point guard Tyrese Maxey also pitched in with 25 points and 10 rebounds, marking his fifth straight game with at least 20 points.
Turnovers, fouls, and missing 16 field goals in a row to close the game doomed the Celtics, who are now 1-2 at home this series. Ironically, they've been better on the road, and that's where they're headed for Game 6. It'll take place on Thursday at a time yet to be determined in the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics fall apart down the stretch in disappointing Game 5 defeat vs. 76ers