Sixers Stun Celtics, Ending Boston’s Winning Streak
The Philadelphia 76ers delivered a stunning upset, defeating the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics 118-114 at TD Garden.This victory marks the Celtics’ second consecutive loss,a rare occurrence this season following their previous defeat against a depleted Orlando Magic squad.
Leading the charge for the Sixers was Tyrese Maxey, who showcased his extraordinary form with a remarkable performance of 33 points and 12 assists. Maxey’s efficiency was evident in his 12-of-23 shooting from the field. This notable display follows his standout performance just two days prior, were he spearheaded the Sixers’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs at home.
Joel embiid, seeking redemption after a disappointing outing against the Spurs that saw him ejected for a double technical foul, bounced back with a vengeance. He contributed 27 points, including an impressive 4-of-5 from three-point range, along with nine rebounds. Embiid’s frustration boiled over in the previous game when he received a controversial offensive foul call against Victor Wembanyama, leading to a heated exchange with the referees.
Adding to the Sixers’ offensive firepower was Caleb Martin, who delivered a crucial 23 points, shooting an impressive 8-of-11 from the field and 7-of-9 from beyond the arc.Despite Jayson Tatum’s return after missing the previous game against the Magic, the Celtics couldn’t secure the win. Tatum put up an admirable effort with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Sixers’ offensive onslaught.
This loss marks the Celtics’ third setback in their last four games, dropping their record to 22-8, still good for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Sixers Steal Christmas: A Conversation wiht Coach Doug Collins
The Philadelphia 76ers shocked the NBA world on christmas Day, handing the reigning champion Boston Celtics a tough loss at TD garden. We’re joined by NBA legend and former 76ers coach, Doug collins, to dissect this unexpected upset.
Welcome back to the court, Coach Collins! The Sixers’ performance against the Celtics was truly remarkable. what stood out to you most about their victory?
Well,frist and foremost,Tyrese Maxey was absolutely phenomenal. You could see the confidence radiating off him.[[[[2] 33 points and 12 assists against a team like the Celtics is no small feat. He controlled the tempo, made smart decisions, and hit those crucial shots.
and let’s not forget Joel Embiid’s redemption arc. coming off that ejection against San Antonio, he could have been rattled. Instead, he dominated inside, knocking down threes and rallying his team. That’s what true star players do – they elevate their game when it matters most.
It seemed like the Sixers’ bench also played a crucial role, with Caleb Martin having a stellar night from beyond the arc. Do you think their contributions were underestimated?
Absolutely. Caleb Martin was a sniper out there.[[[[1] Seven threes on nine attempts – that’s unconscious shooting. And it wasn’t just Martin; the entire bench brought energy and sparked the offense when needed. That kind of depth can make a world of difference in a tightly contested game.
Jayson Tatum returned for the Celtics after missing a game,but the Sixers’ defense seemed to contain him effectively. What strategies do you think they employed?
Coach Rivers and his staff did a fantastic job disguising coverages and making Tatum work for every shot. You could see him getting frustrated at times, and that’s a credit to the Sixers’ defensive intensity. They made life difficult for Boston’s top scorer. They forced Tatum into tough shots and limited his impact on the game[[[[3]
This win snaps Boston’s winning streak and signals a potential shift in the Eastern Conference power dynamics. Do you think the Sixers have what it takes to challenge the Celtics for the top spot?
It’s still early in the season, but this win definitely sends a powerful message. The sixers showed they can compete with the best.Maxey is emerging as a true star, and Embiid is playing at an MVP level. With a deep bench and a solid coaching staff, they are certainly a team to watch out for.
However, the Celtics are still a formidable opponent. They have a championship pedigree and a wealth of experience. This one loss doesn’t define their season
I wouldn’t bet against Boston in a seven-game series. But this win proves the Sixers are a legitimate contender.
What do you think about the Celtics’ recent struggles, losing three of their last four games?
Every team goes through patches like this. The Celtics are missing Marcus Smart, which undoubtedly weakens their defense. Plus, you can’t expect to win every game in the NBA. They’re still a very talented team, and I expect them to bounce back.
Moving forward, what are your predictions for both the Sixers and the Celtics?
I believe the sixers will continue to improve as the season progresses. Their young core is gaining valuable experience, and their chemistry is growing. They have the talent to make a deep playoff run.
I’m also confident the Celtics will turn things around.Onc they get fully healthy and their chemistry returns to pre-season levels, they’ll be back to their dominant selves.
this is shaping up to be a captivating Eastern Conference race, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Great insights,Coach Collins,thank you for your time and expertise. This Sixers win is a definite Christmas present for the fans, and the race for the Eastern Conference crown is heating up!
Now it’s your turn, readers! What are your thoughts on this
Sixers upset?
Do you see them as serious contenders for the championship? Share your opinions in the comments below!
