Time to have a good time.

Tatum hit the successful three that capped Boston’s comeback from 15 factors down within the third quarter and he completed with 18 factors, 13 rebounds and 6 assists to assist the Celtics maintain on for a 110-107 win towards Philadelphia.

“I dream about taking these pictures,” Tatum stated. “The worst factor that may occur is you miss.”

He did not miss.

Jaylen Brown scored 26 factors, Derrick White added 18 and Al Horford hit 5 game-changing threes for 15 factors.

“Our guys have been there,” Mazzulla stated. “They’ve been by way of all of it.”

Embiid completed with 41 factors and 12 rebounds. He additionally made 17 of 18 free throws. James Harden scored 21 factors and Tobias Harris had 19.

The late-game thriller proved worthy of a showdown between two of the highest groups within the east.

Boston, although, proved it’s nonetheless the staff to beat.

The Sixers dug deep trailing by 5 with three minutes left. With booming “MVP! MVP!” chants filling the sector, Embiid hit two free throws and adopted with a jumper that pulled the Sixers inside one. Embiid then blocked Brown’s lay-up and Tyrese Maxey went the opposite method for a go-ahead driving lay-up that despatched one other packed home right into a frenzy.

Horford, as soon as thought-about a key cog within the 76ers’ chase for a championship, as a substitute hit the clutch three-pointer inside Wells Fargo Heart that town craved from him in 2019-20. He put the Celtics forward by two factors and a bucket by Tatum made it 107-103.

Harden and Embiid made 4 straight free throws that tied the sport and put each fan — there was a smattering of inexperienced within the stands — on edge.

Tatum, although, calmly hit a 3 to place Boston forward. Embiid then heaved one from contained in the opposing three-point line and it fell by way of the basket — simply after the horn.

“I form of had a sense it wasn’t going to rely,” Tatum stated. “But it surely’s the NBA, proper? Something can occur.”

Simply not on this evening for the Sixers.

“Sadly, story of my life,” Embiid stated.

Tatum celebrated by giving his game-worn jersey to star Philadelphia Eagles huge receiver — and famous Celtics fan — DeVonta Smith.

The 76ers had one other packed home and followers have been hyped from pre-game warm-ups for a recreation with a definitive play-off really feel. Each groups got here out firing — they every hit 4 threes and shot a minimum of 50 per cent within the first quarter. The scoring swings have been so one-sided for a stretch that the Celtics went on a 20-4 run and solely led 39-32.

The Sixers entered this one with one thing to show after a depressing effort in a 106-99 loss earlier this month in Boston.

The reigning Japanese Convention champion, Celtics stay the category of the convention.

The Sixers are nonetheless out to point out underneath coach Doc Rivers they’re greater than a 50-win, second-round exit staff.

They’re going to wish Embiid to prepared the ground. After a tough taking pictures evening towards Memphis on Thursday, Embiid had a recreation worthy of the “MVP! MVP!” chants that serenaded him with every journey to the free-throw line.

He bullied his method down the lane for giant buckets. Embiid’s three-point play late within the fourth stretched the result in 11 and he had an help on De’Anthony Melton’s three-pointer on the subsequent possession.

Horford made three straight threes to deliver Boston again into the sport. Horford’s fourth three of the quarter keyed an 18-3 run and helped the Celtics lead 80-78 by way of three.

“It is not further motivation,” Horford stated of his return. “It is simply enjoyable. These are the video games you wish to be part of.”

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