The Celtics seemed to have two big advantages going into Monday night’s opening game of their second-round series with the 76ers: They were at home and, more importantly, Joel Embiid was out with a knee injury.
Neither of those things seemed to matter to James Harden and Co., though, as Philadelphia stayed close throughout and then beat Boston on a late three-pointer by Harden, who finished with a game-high 45 points.
The Celtics failed to take control of the series and will now have to battle back against a Sixers team that could possibly have Embiid back as soon as Game 2 on Wednesday night.
Shaquille O’Neal was not impressed with Boston’s effort and lit into the team on the best postgame show in sports:
"It's no way without Joel Embiid, you're supposed to lose to this team. EVER." @SHAQ reacts to Philly's stunning Game 1 win in Boston pic.twitter.com/oejPNC1eqh
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 2, 2023
