The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 89-88, in the Utah Summer League at the Huntsman Center on Monday.
This was an extremely competitive game to open the Utah Summer League, as there were 10 ties and 11 lead changes in total. Boston (1-0) overcame a 25-3 run in the third quarter to come back and win. In fact, the Celtics finished the game on a 12-5 run, while forcing the Sixers (0-1) to miss 11 of their last 13 shots. Boston ended up shooting 47 percent from the field for the game, while holding Philadelphia to under 41 percent shooting.
First-round pick, Jayson Tatum, played hero for Boston, as he hit the game-winning jumper with just under six seconds left, while scoring eight of the final 10 points for the Celtics. He finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Jaylen Brown was the other force that pushed the Celtics to victory, as he led the team in scoring with an impressive 29 points, while also adding 13 rebounds. Abdel Nader was a nice spark off the bench, totaling 13 points and seven rebounds.
Top-pick, Markelle Fultz, led Philly in scoring, as he amassed 17 points, two rebounds and three blocks. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot accrued 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Isaiah Miles led the bench with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, as the Celtics face the San Antonio Spurs and the Sixers play the host Utah Jazz.
