Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points as Boston Celtics thumped Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in their opening NBA playoff clash on Sunday. The indomitable duo took full advantage of the Sixers’ dire shooting struggles to secure the Celtics’ largest-ever margin of victory in a playoff opener.
Tatum led the charge, racking up 21 points in the first half. It was Brown’s turn to go on the rampage after the break, pouring in 16 points in the third quarter alone to take the game beyond Philadelphia’s grasp. Both men sat out most of the final quarter, resting up for Tuesday’s second home game before the best-of-seven series moves to Philadelphia, but the Celtics’ lead continued to grow in a wire-to-wire win.
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In one of the NBA’s classic rivalries, Boston have won their last six post-season series against the Sixers — a streak that goes back to the 1985 Eastern Conference finals. Tatum showed no ill effects from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered almost a year ago, exhibiting why his return has made the surging Celtics many pundits’ pick for this year’s NBA title. He finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
“It’s an incredible feeling. You know, not too long ago, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to play this season — let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs,” said Tatum. “Today was probably the most excited and, like, relaxed and grateful I’ve been in…my nine years of being in the playoffs.”
Later on Sunday, defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder open their playoff campaign against the Phoenix Suns, who scraped through to the post-season via the play-in tournament. Orlando Magic take on the Eastern Conference top-seeded Detroit Pistons, before San Antonio Spurs play Portland Trail Blazers.
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