On Christmas Day, the Boston Celtics faced a disappointing defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden, losing 118-114. Despite putting in a strong effort, the Celtics struggled with turnovers and free throws, ultimately costing them the game.
The Celtics committed 12 turnovers, while the 76ers managed only six. This difference in ball control proved crucial, as the Celtics’ mistakes led to missed opportunities to score. Although Boston dominated on the boards, out-rebounding Philadelphia 51-39, they were not able to capitalize on their offensive possession as effectively as needed. Their shooting from beyond the arc was decent—landing 20 of 49 three-point attempts for a 40.8% success rate—but their free-throw shooting fell short. The Celtics only got to the line 13 times, converting eight.
A major player for the 76ers was Tyrese Maxey, who shone with 33 points, shooting 12-of-23 from the field, along with 12 assists and three steals. Joel Embiid also made a significant impact with 27 points and nine rebounds in just 30 minutes. Caleb Martin contributed with an impressive 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 7-of-9 from three-point range, proving to be a significant asset for Philadelphia, even as underdogs at 10.5 points.
The Celtics’ star duo, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, combined for a solid but uneven performance. They notched a total of 55 points, 22 rebounds, and eight assists. However, they also racked up eight turnovers, indicating that their rhythm was off. Jrue Holiday’s absence due to a shoulder injury was felt, as his playmaking skills and defensive capability could have helped balance the team.
In a surprising turn, late in the game, the Celtics managed a crucial 11-0 run that brought them close, narrowing the 76ers’ lead to 108-105 with just 2:25 left on the clock. However, Philadelphia maintained their composure and executed their free-throw shooting when it mattered most to seal the victory.
In other Christmas Day matchups, the highly anticipated game featuring Victor Wembanyama also drew attention. The talented rookie scored an impressive 42 points in his Christmas Day debut, just shy of breaking the record set by Wilt Chamberlain. Unfortunately for Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, the New York Knicks held on to win 117-114, showcasing a strong performance from Mikal Bridges, who scored 41 points himself.
Meanwhile, in another game, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 105-99 win against the Dallas Mavericks. The matchup was marred by Luka Dončić’s early departure due to a strained left calf, which limited Dallas’ comeback efforts. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined for 49 points for Minnesota, while Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 39 points in Dončić’s absence.
Overall, Christmas Day featured tight matches and exciting performances across the league. The Celtics will need to regroup and address their turnover issues as they look ahead to their next games. The absence of key players highlighted the depth of the teams and the ever-important aspect of health in the NBA. Both the 76ers and Celtics demonstrated their potential, but it will take consistency and teamwork in future games for Boston to return to form.
