The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers took on each other for the third time in the season on Friday night. While both teams have got the best of each other, the third game had a built-in hype before the tip-off. Especially the former Celtics star Kendrick Perkins, who has become ESPN’s NBA analyst, expressed his excitement in an uncanny way during the half-time break because of the handicapped Sixers’ resurgence. 

The Celtics have been doing what they do best, staying at the top of the table consistently over the past few seasons. Similarly, the Sixers, who were written off before the start of the season because of the James Harden situation, have also been at the top of their game. 23-year-old Tyrese Maxey, who has had a breakout season, averaging 27 points and 6.7 assists this season, turned the tables for the Philly side.

Joel Embiid-less Sixers push Kendrick Perkins to act up

The Celtics have had a unique approach to the season so far. Head coach Joe Mazzulla barely rotates his bench in the games. There are occasions when he utilized only three players off the bench. Importantly, he once took a coach’s challenge during garbage time, leaving the opponents to scratch their heads.

On Friday night, the Boston side went on with its full force with its new trio, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday. On the other hand, the Sixers didn’t have their strike forces, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. ESPN‘s injury report stated that both stars had illnesses.

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Despite their absence, the city of brotherly love dominated the Celts in the first half, producing a halftime score of 72-69. In response to the score, Perkins had an unusual response to the Sixers’ performance. During the ESPN’s halftime show, Perkins began to bark while analyzing the game, leaving the co-hosts unsettled for a moment. 

Perkins began reading out the Embiid and Maxey-less starting line-up of the Sixers and began barking. The Celtics weren’t prepared for the revamped Sixers attack.

Read More – Apart From Taking 6,944,800 Lives, Deadly Disease Also Ruined Joel Embiid’s Legacy With Under Armour

Who stepped up in the absence of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?

The Sixers starting line for Friday night included Paul Reed, De’Anthony Melton, Patrick Beverley, Tobias Harris, and Marcus Morris Sr. Pat Bev and Melton were the pick of the line-up as they stepped up continuous counter-attacks, dropping 16 points each in the first half of the game. The duo was supported by Reed and Tobias Harris on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. However, it wasn’t enough for the Sixers to take their team past the finish line. Despite losing Jayson Tatum in the third quarter, figured their way out with a 125-119 win.

The Celtics pulled through but the 76ers put in a lot of pressure and the team was almost humiliated. What do you make of the Sixers’ setup in the absence of Embiid and Maxey? Let us know in the comments.

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