Against the Boston Celtics, Joel Embiid’s desperate heave only managed to find the back of the net. However, the Philadelphia 76ers and their star center were out of time as they were defeated by their opponents 110-107.
With 1.3 seconds remaining in the game, Jayson Tatum beat De’Anthony Melton for the key go-ahead three-pointer that determined the outcome. It only took Embiid one dribble to attempt the possible game-tying Hail Mary, but he was unable to get it off his hands in time.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, who have struggled to defeat the Celtics in recent years, it was another disappointing defeat. They led by 15 points midway through the third period but were unable to overcome the composed team from Beantown.
Joel Embiid performed tonight like a guy on a mission. The defending Eastern Conference champion 76ers didn’t start four players against the Celtics in their previous encounter.
Due to their separate ailments, Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III weren’t able to play. Al Horford received the evening off to serve as the cheerleader. Jaylen Brown, who was accidentally knocked into Jayson Tatum, suffered a face injury that cost the Celtics another player.
Without Williams and Horford, Joel Embiid ended the game with 28 points, seven rebounds, and an assist. Blake Griffin, Sam Hauser, and Jayson Tatum all got eight rebounds, one more than the enormous Embiid can pull in.
The playoffs may bring Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum together once more
For the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics (44-17) lead the Philadelphia 76ers (39-20) by a margin of four games. Based on their win-loss record and current form, they have a good chance of making the playoffs.
The conference finals might feature a clash between Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. This season, the Boston Celtics have been playing like they’re the best NBA club, but Philadelphia has also improved.
Before the All-Star break, Philadelphia was among the league’s hottest teams. At one time, they were ninth in the rankings, but have surged to third behind Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey.
The challenge for Joel Embiid and his team against Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the Celtics will be great. They have fallen to Boston the previous two times they have faced off in the playoffs and have dropped all three games against them this season. 2018 saw a 4-1 Celtics victory, and 2020 saw a 4-0 Celtics victory. In the playoffs, Joel Embiid is 0-8 versus Jayson Tatum.
ALSO READ: Gayle King brought up Kobe Bryant’s infamous rape case after his death
