"The Process" in Philadelphia basically involved shameless tanking to pick up Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz. None of that trio were on the TD Garden parquet when the 76'ers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game-1 of the Eastern Semi's.
Oh, the shame of it all! With Embiid out with a knee injury and Simmons and Fultz gone from the City of Brotherly Love, it was James Harden (45 points, 6 assists), Tobias Harris 18 points, 5 boards, 3 assists) and Tyrese Maxey (26 points, 4 steals) that too over, with former Celtics Coach, Doc Rivers gloating on the sideline.
The Celtics were heavy favories to take Game-1, particularly with the 76'ers big man out of action. But, alas, that was not to be. Boston seemed to rely on their offense to win the contest They shot 74% from the field in the first half but onloy led by three points (66-63) at the end of the half. That was the red light for Boston - as analyst Charles Barkley stated - the Celtics should have led by 20 points after the half.
No Embiid. No Simmons. No Fultz. None from The Process heydays were on the floor. But Harden came through big-time - Harris was absolutely solid - and Maxey is someone I would love to have in Boston.
The Celtics may have to face Joel Embiid in Game-2, but that seems improbable. What is very clear is that they need to take a different approach to James Harden and energize the defense that was once a trademark of The Green. Rookie Head Coach Mazzulla is up against veteran-of-the-playoff-wars, Rivers. Losing Game-1 was shameful. Going back to the "City of the Process" down 0-2 would be devastating!
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