Neemias Cueta and the Celtics are stronger than the Sixers

There is no Jayson Tatum on the floor even though NBC has changed the meeting schedule, and this first quarter was marked by offensive jumps from both teams. And especially those of Neemias Cueta, who breathes life into the Celtics. By contrast, Tyrese Maxey is already restless (26-28). The problem for Philly is that it doesn’t last.

The All-Star leader continues to miss shots, while Cueta scores baskets. Baylor Schierman, the author of good defensive actions, ends the first half with a winning basket and confirms Boston’s lead (62-50).

Coming back from the locker room, Joe Mazzula’s troops found a knack for 3-pointers. But with Tyrese Maxey regaining the paint and VG Edgecombe hitting threes often, the Sixers are solid and remain dangerous (89-83). This will last almost the entire last quarter, but still lacks that little bit that can allow Philly to shake the locals. Neemias Cueta made a full circle by dominating the last moments of the match, to give the victory, in the end quite logical, to the Celtics (114-98) and sign his career record.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Great evening of Nehemiah of Kveta. He is the man of the match. Because his presence under the circle sparked his team in the first quarter. Because he was very good in the second, then because he made the baskets and the free throws that will make the difference in the end. Result: 27 points on 10/14 shooting, his new career high (old was 19 units) and 17 rebounds. He’s not the only one who played well, but he was certainly the big man tonight.

Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers are never far, but not close enough. Nick Nurse’s players are undoubtedly regretting this encounter. Without Joel Embiid, nor the suspended Paul George, they held up well but lacked the elements to hope to shake the Celtics. A bit more danger offensively perhaps, in the second half, alongside Maxey and Edgecombe. Allowing Boston to have fewer offensive rebounds, that’s for sure. There was a chance to play in the last quarter, but we never felt the team was capable of doing it.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=uJgli14Dg2A

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.