The 76ers (1-2) will look to get even with the Boston Celtics (2-1) Sunday in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal clash.
After splitting the first pair of matchups in Boston, the Sixers dropped Friday’s Game 3 at home, 114-102.
After receiving The Michael Jordan MVP Trophy pregame, Joel Embiid scored a game-high 30 points and 13 rebounds.
On Boston’s side, Jayson Tatum scored a team-high 27 points, plus 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Jaylen Brown finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block.
All five Boston starters, along with Malcolm Brogdon (bench-high 15 pts), finished in double-figures.
“We’re going to go out there and compete extremely hard,” Tyrese Maxey said of Game 4 following Saturday’s film session. “I know every guy on this team - we’ve done it all year. We’ve been determined. When people [question us] we go out there and prove them wrong.”
Tobias Harris echoed Maxey:
“We understand that we need each other. This is a fight. We understand that we have to do it together. We’ve got to put a full game together.”
Both Sixers described Saturday’s film session as one filled with productive, honest dialogue.
“This is how it goes,” Harris said. “For us, it’s about figuring out how we can be at our best to get a victory tomorrow. We’ve just got to be ready to play, and come out there and play the right way.”
Embiid (right knee sprain) is questionable for Game 4, while Blake Griffin (low back pain) and Marcus Smart (left ankle sprain) are questionable for Boston Sunday, while Danilo Gallinari is out (left knee ACL repair).
Following Sunday’s matchup, the series shifts back to Boston for Tuesday’s Game 5.
Sunday’s matinee is a 3:30 p.m. ET tip.
Friday’s Key Performances:
Embiid notched a 30-point, 13-rebound double-double, plus three assists and a game-high four blocks. He shot 9-for-19 overall and 11-for-12 from the foul line.
Melton scored a bench-high 14 points, along with eight rebounds, a game-best four steals, and a block.
76ers vs. Boston Celtics: May 05, 2023
1 / 7PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 5: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during Round 2 Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on May 5, 2023 at The Center in Philadelphia.
@Sixers Social:
Quote to Note:
Georges Niang, looking ahead to Game 4:
“Backbreaking is when you go home. It’s one game. Yeah, it would’ve been great to win at home and be up in the series. But, we’ve got to collect ourselves, get back to it and get ready for Game 4.”
Follow Along Sunday (3:30 PM ET):
Watch: ESPN
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic
