Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is searching for answers.
His team failed to close out the Philadelphia 76ers for the second consecutive game on Thursday. The 76ers defeated the Celtics 106-93 at Wells Fargo Center, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 Saturday in Boston.
Philadelphia's Big 3 led the charge. Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting. He went 3-of-5 from 3-point range with five assists, two steals in 40 minutes.
Joel Embiid played in just his third game back from appendectomy surgery. He posted a near triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Paul George delivered one of his best performances as a Sixer with 23 points, shooting 8-of-17 from the field and 5-of-9 from 3-point range.
Despite the setback, Mazzulla remained resolute.
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
With their backs against the wall, the 76ers came out with a sense of urgency. They built an early 11-4 lead on the play of Embiid, Maxey and George. Facing elimination, Philadelphia dictated the tempo from the opening tip.
The Celtics kept it competitive in the first half. The turning point came in the third quarter. Jayson Tatum, returning from a 62-game absence due to a ruptured Achilles, left with an injury.
Mazzulla chose not to bring his starters back in the fourth quarter. He chose to prioritize his team's health with Game 7 looming.
Tatum finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. Jaylen Brownled Boston with 18 points.
After the game, Mazzulla addressed reporters with a blunt but forward-looking response.
"This is part of the playoffs. Have an opportunity for Game 7 at home," he said, per Bobby Krivitsky on X. "And there's been great teams, great players that have played in Game 7s, and it's part of the journey. So, we didn't play well tonight. We move on the next game."
Game 7 is on Saturday in Boston. The winner advances to the second round to face the New York Knicks.
