1. Playoff Jayson Tatum Is Back
In his playoff return, Jayson Tatum showcased his prowess with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, marking a strong comeback from injury. He became the fifth player in Eastern Conference history to achieve multiple 25-point playoff games and made significant contributions in the first half, including an emphatic dunk. Tatum’s performance earned him a standing ovation from the crowd as he left the game. His impressive stats included passing Kobe Bryant for 11th place in playoff three-pointers made.
2. Jaylen Brown Big 3Q
After a slow start, Jaylen Brown exploded in the third quarter, scoring 16 points and helping solidify the Celtics’ lead over the 76ers. He sparked a 10-0 run with a crucial three-pointer and finished the game with 26 points, marking the 50th time he and Tatum scored 20+ points in a playoff game together. Their scoring partnership is closing in on the Celtics’ record held by Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.
3. Sam Hauser Dialed In
Sam Hauser made a strong playoff impact, scoring 12 points with 4-6 shooting from three-point range, setting an early offensive tone. He also contributed defensively, drawing a charge just minutes into the game, showcasing his improved all-around play after a subpar shooting season. His performance underscored the Celtics’ depth and readiness for the playoffs.
