Celtics at 76ers
The Boston Celtics look to open up a commanding 3-0 series lead when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Philadelphia was in good position to even the series when it led Game 2 by 22 points but Boston rallied to post an impressive 108-103 victory.
The Celtics appear to be in good shape as they are 36-0 all-time when holding a 2-0 lead in a seven-game series but it took a lot of work to overcome the 76ers' stellar start. "Honestly I didn't even realize we were down 22," Boston power forward Al Horford told reporters. "I knew we were down big, but what we kept talking about was, like, 'we can't get it all back at once -- we just need to chip away and just go.'" Philadelphia is 0-11 all-time when dropping the first two contests of a seven-game playoff series but coach Brett Brown isn't interested in dwelling over the big hole. "They won two games at home and we have to reciprocate," Brown told reporters. "There's not going to be a pity party."
TV: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE CELTICS: Small forward Jayson Tatum is averaging 24.5 points over the first two games of the series and he is the first Boston rookie to score 20 or more in four straight playoff games since Hall of Famer Larry Bird in 1980. Shooting guard Jaylen Brown scored 13 points in 25 minutes off the bench after missing the series opener with a hamstring injury and admitted he took a risk by suiting up and playing. "It was my call," Brown said afterward. "The doctors didn't want me to play, I told them I'd be fine. It was all on me, but you manage it right, be smart with it, I don't expect to miss any games."
ABOUT THE 76ERS: Rookie point guard Ben Simmons experienced a disastrous time in Game 2 as he had just one point while committing five turnovers but he didn't hide from taking the blame. "I think it was mainly what I did to myself," Simmons told reporters. "I think, mentally, I was thinking too much, over-thinking the plays. Wasn't just out there, flowing, playing the way I play, which is free. I think, obviously, I know what their game plan is. I got to play my game." Star center Joel Embiid had 20 points and 14 rebounds for his fourth consecutive double-double but was just 8-of-22 shooting.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Celtics PG Terry Rozier had 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in Game 2 and is averaging 25 points over the past three playoff games.
2. Philadelphia SG JJ Redick scored 23 points in Game 2 and has put together four straight 20-point outings.
3. Horford produced 13 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 for his fourth double-double of the postseason.