(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have given NBA fans one of basketball’s greatest rivalries for over half a century.
On Sunday, they met in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, and the first half was very competitive, making it seem as if the two squads were headed for a riveting finish.
Instead, Boston got ignited in the third quarter thanks to Jayson Tatum, and the outcome was no longer in doubt, as they cruised to a 112-88 win.
Tatum set a new Game 7 record with 51 points, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 25 points.
THE CELTICS ADVANCE TO THE ECF
Tatum: 51 PTS | 13 REB | 5 AST
Brown: 25 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK
C’s dominate the Sixers in Game 7 to advance! pic.twitter.com/UjNvwa54pA
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 14, 2023
This fan loved how Tatum outplayed the regular season MVP Joel Embiid, who shot just 5-of-18 from the field and mustered only 15 points.
Jayson Tatum, crowned king of TD’s floor,
His brilliance shining, forevermore. Fifty points scored, a game of pure might,
Conquering Embiid, a thrilling sight. pic.twitter.com/hngg1zyZuY
— Tómas the Dank Engine (@CShredwards) May 14, 2023
This fan simply felt Embiid didn’t deserve the MVP.
Embiid is no MVP.
— The Sports Guy (22-60/0-0) (@TheSpor54302659) May 14, 2023
This fan pointed out an interesting coincidence.
Tatum and Brown combined for 76 points in the 76th season against the 76ers.
— Christian (@christian184738) May 14, 2023
This fan is looking forward to the Eastern Conference Finals and feels the Celtics will prevail in seven games.
The 2 best teams in the East over the past several years this should be a 7 game classic. Celtics in 7
— Fredrick Meredith (@FredrickMeredi9) May 14, 2023
They will face Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat for a spot in the NBA Finals for the third time in the last four seasons.
In 2020, the Heat got past Boston in six games, but last year, Boston prevailed in seven, with the seventh game decided in the final seconds.
The Celtics will have home-court advantage, while Miami will be at a disadvantage since Tyler Herro, one of their primary scoring threats, is out with a hand injury.
But there is no doubt the Heat will challenge the Celtics and give them some very stiff competition no matter the outcome.
The post Fans React To Celtics Eliminating The 76ers From Playoffs appeared first on The Cold Wire.