Game 6 was an ugly loss that highlighted the issues that have plagued the Celtics all season.
Now, they seek to end this potentially legacy-altering playoff series.
What’s Going on With Derrick White?
Before the game in Philadelphia, a clip of Derrick White getting shots up hours before the game hit the Internet. His shot looked significantly higher, raising concerns among fans. He had a better game than in the prior game in this series, shooting 3-for-6 from 3 (3-for-8 total).
What concerned me was how nervous he looked in the beginning. Every missed shot led to his hands on his head in shock, while also giving up a few uncharacteristic turnovers. His hustle plays still came through in clutch moments.
Jayson Tatum Is Potentially Injured
Tatum went to the locker room during the third quarter Thursday night, leaving Boston fans worried about the franchise star. Of course, returning from an Achilles tear, the Celtics staff will exercise max discretion, and even in the slightest chance of reinjury, I doubt Tatum will suit up in the penultimate game. He was half the reason the Cs were even in the game, as he was the best shooter for us.
I’ve loved his defensive play; he’s gone up against almost all of the Sixers‘ starters, but especially Kelly Oubre and Paul George. George turned back to “Playoff P,” so it’s hard to blame Tatum.
Credit: Boston Celtics-Twitter/XThe Centers Can’t Hang With Embiid
Joel Embiid is getting wherever he wants on the floor, and there’s nothing the green team can do about it. What’s interesting is that both Queta and Vucevic struggle in different ways versus the former MVP. Queta is uncoordinated and inexperienced enough to foul Embiid, the best big-man foul-baiter, whereas Vucevic lacks the defensive integrity and size to limit Embiid’s shots. He isn’t efficient shooting-wise, but he’s a great passer, and the Sixers are moving fast off the ball. Maxey might be the fastest player in the league and has been a flamethrower.
Luckily, VJ Edgecombe has not shot well but is still a threat in transition. That’s not an issue for the big men, but it’s important for them to be at the rim. This Philly offense has much more depth than I imagined.
Are the Celtics Going to Blow It?
Only 13 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit, and the vibe around fans is that Boston could be on the wrong side of history. Momentum is certainly not on our side, and morale is at an all-time low. Obviously, a loss this early would be disappointing for any 2-seed.
But let’s not forget where this season started: People thought the Celtics would be in lottery conversations, debating between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson at this point of the year.
Jayson Tatum has returned and looks very similar to his former self. Jaylen Brown had an MVP-worthy season, and we watched the further development of young pieces like Scheierman and Neemias Queta.
This team is playing with house money. It’s on them to play like that on Saturday night.
Game 7 in Boston will air on NBC/Peacock at 7:30 EST.
