Boston’s two-quarter scoring surge has the 8-2 Celtics up 62-51 at halftime in Philadelphia.
Boston opened a gap with a 30-23 first quarter and stretched it with a 32-28 second, taking an 11-point halftime lead. Paul George leads all scorers with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, while Sam Hauser has added 9 points and hit all three of his three-pointers. Tyrese Maxey has 12 for Philadelphia, but Joel Embiid is 0-for-6 from the floor and has scored 9 points by making 9 of 11 free throws. The 9-2 Sixers, ranked No. 8 in the power index, need to find more offense after the break against the No. 4 Celtics, who enter at 8-2.
Key Performers
Paul George, Boston: 17 points, 7-for-11 FG Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia: 12 points, 4-for-6 FG Sam Hauser, Boston: 9 points, 3-for-3 from three