The Philadelphia 76ers faced a tough start to the second half of the NBA season, succumbing to a decisive 124-104 defeat by the Boston Celtics on their home court. The Celtics showcased formidable performance, continuing their winning streak with eight victories in their past nine games. Their aggressive play was evident as they scored 72 points in the first half alone, making 11 of their first 16 three-point attempts.
Joel Embiid, the 76ers' star center, struggled during the game, scoring only 15 points on 3-for-9 shooting in 27 minutes. It marked his fewest shot attempts in a game this season without an early exit due to injury or ejection. Embiid's current form contrasts sharply with his earlier season performance, where he was on pace to be just the second player ever to average more than a point per minute in a season. He acknowledged the decline and emphasized the need to address his left knee issues.
"I'm not as dominant as I was a couple of months ago, but that doesn't mean I still can't have a lot of impact on the game." – Joel Embiid
The game also saw Paul George contributing 17 points in 29 minutes for the 76ers. George has been battling health issues, relying on pain-killing injections to participate in recent weeks. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to supporting his team.
"I'm just trying to give this team everything I have." – Paul George
The loss placed the 76ers tied for the sixth-worst record in the NBA. With 55 games into the season, Embiid has participated in only 18, raising concerns over his availability and impact on the team's performance. Tyrese Maxey pointed to issues of effort and trust within the team as additional factors affecting their success.
Embiid reflected on his contributions despite physical limitations, emphasizing his strategic role on the court.
"Just me being out there, I think, helps a lot. My presence, my ability to attract double teams, get guys more shots." – Joel Embiid
He also expressed frustration with his current state, noting that while he is not performing at last year's level, he is determined to improve.
"The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I'm playing right now," – Joel Embiid
"It's just tough, because you know you can do so much more. But there's no excuses. It's just the way it is. You just have to find ways to figure it out and get better." – Joel Embiid
The Celtics capitalized on their momentum, utilizing a balanced attack to maintain control throughout the match. Their offensive prowess and tight defense kept the 76ers at bay, underscoring Boston's status as a formidable opponent this season.
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