Marvel At Maxey
The Marvelous Mr. Tyrese Maxey could be the biggest reason the 76ers clawed back in the series to potentially defeat Boston. Maxey’s offensive talent has been on full display, as he is averaging 26.3 points and 6.5 assists per game. Defensively, he has stifled the potent Celtics offense by averaging 1.2 steals per game. His energy is unrivaled on the Sixers, and the Celtics have been struggling to find answers for stopping him. Maxey understands how to get under Boston stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s skin. By agitating them, he helps provide that spark that is occasionally needed by Philadelphia to go on a run.
Edgecombe And The Extras
VJ Edgecombe left his stamp on the series with his Game 2 performance, where he put up 30 points on 60% (12/20) shooting from the field and added 10 rebounds to help the 76ers win. Edgecombe has had a special rookie season, and it has only continued into the playoffs. His athleticism has caused problems defensively for the Celtics. He is definitely a key matchup that Boston needs to adjust to for the final game of the series.
Andre Drummond and Adem Bona have each pitched in on the glass, helping scoop up rebounds and being a huge force in the paint. Both big guys have won a majority of their assignments and caused problems for Neemias Queta and Nikola Vucevic of the Celtics.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has been a menace defensively while adding a bucket or two when needed. Quentin Grimes has given Philadelphia some excellent minutes off the bench while giving Maxey and Edgecombe a rest. Both guards have had their moments in this series and will need to contribute again to help seal the Celtics fate.
Will The Philadelphia 76ers Finish Their Come Back From A 3-1 Series Deficit To Advance?
The 76ers in this playoff series have been a tale of two halves. If it were not for Edgecombe’s Game 2 point-palooza, the series would likely already be over. They have scratched and clawed back to push the series to the brink in seven. If they can continue on the pace they have set in Games 5 and 6, Philadelphia may send Boston home in the first round for the first time since 2021.
