The Celtics lost another star during their matchup against the 76ers.
Although the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics lost a lot of juice going into the matchup, the game certainly exceeded expectations on Friday night.
Both teams entered the game shorthanded. On Boston’s side, they missed their star big man, Kristaps Porzingis. As for the Sixers, they were down several starters and reserves.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were ruled out with illnesses. Nic Batum, who injured his finger in the Wednesday night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, was also downgraded and missed the matchup.
With several stars missing the action on Friday, both teams had players that needed to step up. The Sixers and the Celtics engaged in a tough back-and-forth battle through three quarters of action. Before the game reached the fourth quarter, the Celtics lost another star.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was hit with multiple technical fouls on Friday night. Just three minutes into the first quarter, Tatum picked up his first tech. In the final seconds of the third quarter, he was issued his second after he elbowed Robert Covington in the face.
Once Tatum was whistled for an offensive foul, he argued with the referee, who then tossed him the tech, which led to the ejection. When the play was further reviewed, Tatum also picked up a flagrant foul before he took his early trip to the locker room for the night.
Tatum wrapped up his 27-minute shift with 21 points. He was shooting efficiently from the field, knocking down six of his nine shots. He also went 7-9 from the free-throw line. As a result of Tatum’s foul in the final seconds of the third quarter, the Sixers were able to tie the game up at 95. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Sixers took the lead for the 13th lead change of the game. While the 76ers are still at a disadvantage, missing several starters, Boston certainly finds themselves in a tough spot after losing Tatum early.
