Of all the ugly numbers the Celtics stared at on crumpled-up stat sheets after the 76ers’ 119–115 win in Game 1, one stood out: 88. As in the number of points James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton scored in the series opener. For years Boston has been defined by its defense, with its backcourt spearheaded by Marcus Smart leading the way. Early in the Celtics’ first-round series against the Hawks, Smart said he believed the trio of Smart, Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon was the best defensive backcourt in the NBA. Against Philadelphia, it looked like one of its worst.
On Wednesday, the Celtics’ defense showed up, and after a 121–87 laugher in Game 2, this conference semifinals is a series again. After scoring 45 points in Game 1, Harden was limited to 12. Maxey had 13. Melton had two. Jaylen Brown, another member of Boston’s elite defensive perimeter group, hounded Harden early. White made hustle plays. Smart, who has been battling a variety of upper body injuries, pressured the Sixers’ collection of ballhandlers all over the floor.
“I thought we had a defensive presence about us,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.
