Philadelphia 76ersOpen full analysis
Boston CelticsOpen full analysis
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 114–98 on March 1 at TD Garden, controlling a matchup that fell well short of the Vegas total of 219.5 points. Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta each scored 27 points for Boston, which shot 44 percent from the field and made 16 three-pointers while forcing 13 turnovers. The Celtics' defense was suffocating in the fourth quarter, holding Philadelphia to just 15 points as Boston's defensive rating of 104.6 proved decisive against Tyrese Maxey's team-leading 33 points and Vasyl Edgecombe's 23 for the 76ers. Philadelphia shot 39.8 percent and made only 12 threes despite Maxey's offensive load, while the Celtics' 59 rebounds and 27 assists powered a balanced attack that limited the visitors to 37 boards. Boston's second quarter proved pivotal, outscoring Philadelphia 36–22 to build separation that the 76ers could never close despite a strong third-quarter push of 33 points. The loss underscores Boston's defensive mettle as the Celtics strengthen their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
