By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers finally had their full starting five back together for the first time in a couple weeks. As they entered the final game of their two-game series with the Celtics. They used a strong scoring effort by center Joel Embiid, forward Tobias Harris, guard Seth Curry, and guard/forward Ben Simmons that helped propel them to a 122-110 victory over the rival Celtics. Sixers now are 11-5 and have the best record in the strong Eastern Conference.

Philly started off the game strong hitting their first nine shots in the first quarter. They were led once again by Embiid who put on another strong MVP level performance. He scored 38-points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Boston had no answer for him. They took away the paint from Embiid and he just showed his perimeter game. He was able to hit 11/15 from the field. He continues to dominate and showing that this might be a coming out season for him.

It was not just Embiid though as Harris also had a strong night from the field. He scored 23-points and helped keep the Celtics at bay in the second half. He has continued to show that he may be the second option for Philly. These last few games for Harris have really showed people that he is worth that 180-million dollar per year contract.

On the growing team chemistry, “I just like how the chemistry of this team – it grows each night,” said Head Coach Doc Rivers.

They needed all the scoring from Embiid, and Harris as the Celtics came back to take a lead in the second quarter and by half-time, they were up by three. They were led by guard/forward Jaylen Brown. He scored a career high 42-points and hit five three-pointers. He had another strong showing against Philly and continues to show that he may make his first all-star game this year. The Celtics needed his scoring as they were missing forward Jayson Tatum who was out because of the league’s Covid-19 protocols.

Thanks to Brown’s scoring Boston was able to cut an 11-point lead into a four-point lead, and it took a late vintage scoring run by Simmons to put Boston away. He hit two hard lay-ups and got a pivotal steal and a dunk to push the lead to six.

His coach noticed the effort of Simmons, “He’s doing so many things for this team. Ben does a lot. You can’t focus on just one thing… He’s too good for that,” said Rivers.

Philly wrapped up this Boston series stronger than when it started. They finally got guard Seth Curry back and are 8-0 when they have full-weapons available. They seemed to be performing at all levels but will need to cut down on turnovers and improve perimeter defense. As they start another two-game series against the hungry Detroit Pistons this weekend.