BOSTON -- The Philadelphia 76ers walked into TD Garden, took the Celtics' best punch in the first quarter, and answered with one of their own for the next three.
Boston led 28-25 after one. Philadelphia led by eight at halftime, 62-54, and never looked back. Final score: 76ers 111, Celtics 97. The series is tied 1-1.
The Rookie Took Over
The story of the night was VJ Edgecombe. The 76ers' rookie was relentless - 30 points, 10 rebounds, and the kind of two-way energy that dictated the game's tempo from the second quarter forward. For a player in his first playoff run, it was a performance that demanded attention. He attacked closeouts, finished through contact, and never looked like the moment was too big.
Tyrese Maxey provided the veteran complement: 29 points and nine assists, distributing the ball efficiently while keeping the Celtics' defense scrambling in every direction. When Boston tried to key on Edgecombe, Maxey made them pay. When they loaded up on Maxey, Edgecombe did the damage.
Paul George added 19 points and provided the steady, experienced presence Philadelphia needed in the moments when Boston threatened to claw back into it.
Boston Had No Answer
Jaylen Brown gave the Celtics everything he had - 36 points on a night when Boston desperately needed production from multiple sources. He was excellent. It wasn't enough.
Jayson Tatum finished with 19, but the Celtics as a unit could not find the consistent second-half production that has defined their best playoff performances. After Philadelphia seized control at halftime, Boston never truly threatened to reverse the outcome.
What's Next
The series heads to Philadelphia tied at one game apiece. Game 3 is Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center. The home crowd, the momentum, and a rookie who just introduced himself to the playoffs - the 76ers have all three heading into the weekend.
