Every game seems to be a struggle for the Boston Celtics right now, although they managed to win their second straight game against an inferior opponent Saturday night.
The Celtics overcame a double-digit first-half deficit to beat the lowly Philadelphia 76ers 107-106 at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
Isaiah Thomas led the way for Boston with 37 points and seven assists. Avery Bradley (20 points, nine assists), Al Horford (11 points) and Jae Crowder (10 points) were Boston’s other double-digit scorers. All five 76ers starters reached double-digits, but their leading scorer was Dario Saric (21 points) off the bench.
With the win, the Celtics improved to 12-8, while the 76ers dropped to 4-16.
Here’s a recap of Celtics-76ers.
STARTING FIVE
Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Amir Johnson, Jae Crowder, Al Horford
SLOW START
Boston made 9 of 16 shots in the first quarter, but Philly was on fire from the floor and made 12 of 22 shots, including going 5 of 11 from 3-point range. The C’s cut their deficit down to 22-20 at one point, but the 76ers closed out the frame with eight straight points to take a 30-22 advantage.
FROM BAD TO WORSE
The Celtics went down by as many as 11 points in the second quarter before Bradley made a 3-pointer to make it 53-45 heading into halftime. Thomas led the way for the C’s with 15 points in the first half, but the team only made 3 of 11 3-pointers, while the 76ers made four more in the second quarter. Sergio Rodriguez, Gerald Henderson and Saric all made it to double-digits in scoring before the break.
BACK ON TRACK
The Celtics finally mounted their comeback in the third quarter and entered the final 12 minutes tied 74-74 with the 76ers. Bradley led the way for Boston with 10 points in the third, bringing his game total up to 19. The C’s outscored the Sixers 29-21 in the frame, and Philly only made one 3-pointer in the third.
The Celtics built up a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the pesky 76ers never went away. They came roaring back and tied the game with 34.6 seconds remaining in regulation, but Thomas put the C’s back in the lead for good with a quick layup during their next possession.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Or the worst play of the game for Jonas Jerebko.
UP NEXT
The Celtics’ three-game road trip will continue Monday in Houston against the Rockets. Tip-off from the Toyota Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports Images
