In a thrilling matchup in Philadelphia, Payton Pritchard showcased his sharpshooting skills by sinking eight 3-pointers and tallying 28 points, while Jayson Tatum notched his fourth career triple-double to lead the Boston Celtics to a resounding 124-104 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.
Tatum’s stellar performance included 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court. Alongside him, Jaylen Brown contributed 20 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 17 points, and Derrick White recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. This victory marked the Celtics’ eighth win in their last nine games, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league.
On the other side, Paul George led the scoring for the 76ers with 17 points, supported by Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., who each contributed 16 points. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, this loss extended their losing streak to six games, with eight defeats in their last nine outings, sinking them to a season-low 15 games below a .500 win percentage.
A critical juncture in the game came as the Celtics’ bench players spearheaded a crucial 15-6 run early in the second quarter, extending their lead to 16 points. Luke Kornet and Pritchard played pivotal roles, each scoring six points during this momentum-shifting stretch.
Noteworthy was Boston’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc, as they connected on 11 of their first 16 3-point attempts and finished the first half shooting 15 of 25 from long range, equating to a 44.4% success rate. The Celtics, known for their emphasis on the long ball, lead the league in 3-point attempts per game with an average of 48.3 shots from downtown.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to host the New York Knicks on Sunday, aiming to carry their winning momentum into the next contest. Meanwhile, the 76ers will face the Brooklyn Nets at home on Saturday, seeking to bounce back from their recent struggles and secure a much-needed victory.
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