Celtics vs 76ers Recap: Boston tops Philly 108-100 to go 2-1 lead

Boston's 108-100 victory over Philadelphia tightened the series grip Friday night. The Celtics now lead 2-1 as the teams head back to Boston for Game 4. This was a defensive battle where bench scoring and three-point shooting decided the outcome. Payton Pritchard's clutch shooting proved crucial, while Jaylen Brown controlled the paint with power and efficiency. Philadelphia fought back through Tyrese Maxey's scoring, but without Joel Embiid, the 76ers couldn't close the gap. The difference came down to depth and execution in crucial moments. Boston's balanced attack overwhelmed a shorthanded Philadelphia squad throughout four competitive quarters.

Jaylen Brown led the charge with 25 points and seven rebounds, showcasing his two-way dominance. Brown shot an impressive 56.3 percent from the field, proving why he's been the engine of Boston's offense. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum matched Brown's scoring output at 25 points while adding seven assists in 42 minutes played. Tatum's return from his Achilles injury continues to show progress as he regains his rhythm. Together, they created constant problems defensively and offensively. Payton Pritchard's 15 points off the bench gave Boston even more firepower. The Celtics' depth becomes nearly impossible to defend when their stars and role players fire on all cylinders simultaneously.

Tyrese Maxey poured in 31 points and six assists, demonstrating his elite scoring ability. The 76ers' star guard was on fire throughout the game, especially in the second and fourth quarters. However, without Joel Embiid, Philadelphia simply lacked the interior presence needed to compete. Embiid remained sidelined due to a recent appendectomy and is expected back for Game 4. Paul George added 18 points and five assists, but those efforts fell short. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 17 points and grabbed six rebounds off the bench. Philadelphia's dynamic young guard VJ Edgecombe showed promise but couldn't provide enough scoring. The 76ers' biggest problem was replacing Embiid's defensive anchor and offensive punch inside.