The Philadelphia 76ers have had a depressing, injury-plagued season. On Christmas Day, they confirmed that at full energy, they’ll play with anybody within the NBA.
Tyrese Maxey had 33 factors and 12 assists and the 76ers shot 19-for-19 from the foul line as Philadelphia defeated the Boston Celtics in a Christmas Day thriller, 118-114.
The 11-17 Sixers are nonetheless 10 video games again of the 22-8 Celtics, however this recreation confirmed that within the uncommon video games the place Philly has their high-priced trio of Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George collectively, they’re robust to beat.
Boston did not make it simple. After a Caleb Martin three-pointer put Philadelphia up by 14 factors with below 5 minutes to go, the Celtics compelled three turnovers from Maxey as a part of an 11-0 run.
Nonetheless, the Sixers held on by getting rebounds, and making their free throws. They bought out-rebounded for the sport however bought the boards they wanted late. And whereas the Sixers made 4 turnovers within the last minutes, they solely made two earlier than that.
The 76ers nonetheless have points. Embiid’s minutes are restricted. George nonetheless seems bange dup. However the Sixers have the depth, and Maxey, to hold with the defending champs.
