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Celtics vs 76ers: Jayson Tatum’s 4th quarter explosion forces Game 7

By Zachary McMahon

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics won Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night to push the series to a Game 7 after losing two straight games.

The C’s had put together a different lineup in this game than the one they’ve been using throughout the playoffs. Robert Williams III started at Center while Al Horford was at Power Forward. They’ve started Derrick white at shooting guard throughout the playoffs, but he was on the bench for this game.  Jaylen Brown moved to shooting guard while Jayson Tatum played at small forward.

The Celtics once held a 16-point lead in the 2nd quarter but they allowed to Sixers to take the lead, but Boston was able to rally back to win Game 6.

Jayson Tatum put himself together after rough start for Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum’s performance right up until the 4th quarter was sub par at best because he missed his first eleven shots which carried over into the second half, which is not usual for the scoring leader of the Celtics’ offense.

Then Tatum caught fire and went off in the 4th quarter when the Green needed him the most. Tatum scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter.

https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1656843990833168385?cxt=HHwWgoDQnZq1pf4tAAAA

Tatum scored two straight three-pointers to help the C’s take the lead, which they would hold on for the last 3 ½ minutes of the game. Tatum himself outscored the Sixers by three in the fourth quarter. He made two more threes to bring the Celtics to 95-84.

Boston Celtics Player of the game: Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart lead the Celtics with 22 points and 7 assists as this almost echoes his performance in Game 4 where he scored 21 points and 7 assists.

Smart also had 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a +18 rating. Smart made some quick moves like he usually does and played bully ball on defense in a couple plays.

One of those plays is when Smart blocked 76ers power forward Paul Reed in the 2nd quarter which eventually lead into a Jaylen Brown bucket.

He also snatched the ball from Joel Embiid in similar fashion to when Zion Williamson snatched the ball in his rookie Summer League campaign.

The C’s will be playing Game 7 at TD Garden on Sunday with the time to be determined.

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