BOSTON — The Celtics faltered in Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 113-97 after squandering a 13-point lead by reverting to isolation plays instead of their effective team strategy. This loss allowed the Sixers, fueled by Joel Embiid’s standout performance of 33 points and 8 assists, to take a 3-2 series lead. With the Celtics’ reliance on talent over teamwork, concerns grow about their ability to close out the series and capitalize on a chance for rest against struggling rivals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s struggles highlight the team’s long-standing issues in high-pressure situations, raising doubts about their postseason resilience.
