Celtics Dominate Game 3 Against 76ers Despite Embiid’s MVP Trophy and Return
The Boston Celtics faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday, May 5th, 2023.[0] The game was the first match to be played in Philadelphia, and it promised to be a thrilling encounter. The odds were in favor of the home team, with the 76ers listed as favorites to win the game.[0] However, the Celtics had other plans and came out on top with a resounding victory.
The game started with Joel Embiid receiving the MVP trophy prior to the contest, and he shed tears as he held his son, Arthur, in his arms while addressing the Philadelphia crowd.[0] Despite the emotional moment, Embiid was limited to just 15 points in Game 2, and he tried to put the 76ers on his back at times in Game 3.[0] Finishing with a team-high of 30 points, he was the offensive leader for Philadelphia.[0] After sitting out Game 1 with a right knee sprain, Embiid played for 39 minutes, indicating that he is feeling better.[0] Embiid also added 13 rebounds and four blocks in the loss.[0]
In Game 2, Philadelphia saw Embiid's return as he became the reliable force of the team, contributing to both offense and defense.[0] In addition to earning the 2022-23 NBA MVP award as the leading scorer, Embiid serves as the defensive anchor for the team and demonstrated his prowess by blocking five shots upon his return.[0] This season, the Philadelphia 76ers were one of the top five teams in terms of offense in the league, with an impressive score of 117.0 points per possession. Furthermore, they possess remarkable defensive abilities.[0]
Despite Embiid's return, the Sixers were blown out 121-87 to even the series, which shifts to Philadelphia with Embiid’s continued progress likely to be a tipping point and decider in the final result.[0] Although the 76ers have listed Embiid as questionable for tonight's game due to his knee injury, his return in Game 2 makes it appear to be just a formality.[0] Embiid’s return did not go as he hoped, and the team struggled to find a rhythm.[0] However, he actually moved pretty well when he was on the floor, playing 27 minutes, getting to the free throw line eight times and tallying five blocks.[0]
During the third quarter, the Celtics dominated Philly, triumphing over them by a score of 35-16.[0] That won't be sufficient in the playoffs.[0] With Embiid returning to the lineup, the Sixers had a chance to step on the Celtics’ throats and put themselves in the driver’s seat heading back to Philadelphia.[0] A chance was presented to them to place the Celtics in an uncertain 0-2 position.[0] That ought to have provided sufficient motivation.[0]
0. “Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics: How to watch NBA online, TV channel, live stream info, start time” CBS Sports, 5 May. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/philadelphia-76ers-vs-boston-celtics-how-to-watch-nba-online-tv-channel-live-stream-info-start-time-29106192
