The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA playoffs, largely due to their unprecedented reliance on 3-point shooting. This strategy has transformed the dynamics of the matchup, especially in light of Joel Embiid’s absence due to an appendectomy.
As the series unfolded, it became evident that the Celtics were not just relying on their traditional strengths. They shot a staggering 55.9% of their attempts from beyond the arc, marking one of the highest rates in playoff history. The turning point came in Game 3, where the Celtics outscored the Sixers by an average of 21.8 points per game from three-point territory.
The impact of this shift has rippled through both teams. Without Embiid, who averaged over 25 points per game during the regular season, the Sixers struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm. Their transition points plummeted from an average of 25 during regular-season encounters with Boston to just 14.7 per game in this series. This stark contrast illustrates how crucial Embiid’s presence is for Philadelphia.
The Celtics’ ability to capitalize on these opportunities has been remarkable. In their two victories, they shot 39.6% from three-point range; however, they faltered in Game 2 with only 26%. This inconsistency highlights a key aspect of playoff basketball: it’s a make-or-miss series.
Expert insights:
- The Sixers should be the desperate team, having lost home-court advantage on Friday night, unable to get any stops down the stretch of Game 3.
- There’s obviously some luck in the small sample sizes you get in the playoffs; in all three games, the winning team has shot better from three-point range than expected.
- The Celtics are living by the three—this strategy could define their playoff run.
This reliance on perimeter shooting has not only showcased Boston’s skill but also exposed vulnerabilities within Philadelphia’s defense. The absence of Embiid has forced players like Tyrese Maxey to step up; however, without consistent support from beyond the arc, they have struggled to keep pace with Boston’s scoring barrage.
