Joel Embiid & The 76ers COOLED OFF The Boston Celtics
YouTube · QqF0qa5zomA
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The Boston Celtics have a unique tendency to go 'cold' from the field, missing their last 16 shots in the fourth quarter of Game 5, scoring only 1 point in a 28-1 run.
- ❖Joel Embiid, despite past injury concerns and perceived inconsistency, demonstrated dominant play in Game 5, particularly in the second half, proving he can be the best player on the floor.
- ❖Embiid's history in Game 7s is poor, with an 0-3 record and statistically disastrous performances, raising questions about his ability to perform under ultimate pressure.
- ❖The Celtics' offensive strategy is heavily reliant on three-point shooting, making them vulnerable when their shots aren't falling, as they lack a consistent 'Plan B' to attack the basket.
- ❖Boston's star players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are criticized for not taking over games when the team goes cold, instead sticking to a failing game plan.
- ❖The 76ers' path to forcing a Game 7 involves slowing down the pace, feeding Embiid in the post, and improving defensive rebounding to prevent Boston's second-chance threes.
Insights
1Celtics' Unpredictable Cold Streaks
The Boston Celtics are noted for their inexplicable ability to go 'cold' from the field, particularly in crucial moments. In Game 5, they scored only 1 point in the fourth quarter during a 28-1 run by the 76ers, shooting 3-for-22 and missing their last 16 shots, with Jaylen Brown going 0-for-6 and Jayson Tatum taking only two shots.
Boston's fourth quarter in Game 5: 28-1 run by Sixers, 3-for-22 shooting, last 16 shots missed, Jaylen Brown 0-for-6, Jayson Tatum 0-for-2.
2Joel Embiid's Dominance and Inconsistency
Joel Embiid is described as an 'alien' when healthy and motivated, capable of being the best player on the court, especially in the post and drawing fouls. However, his career has been marked by injuries and perceived inconsistency, leading to him being called the 'biggest tease in professional basketball history.' His decision not to play Game 1 despite medical clearance, and his subsequent strong performances, highlight this duality.
Embiid's Game 4 stats: 26 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists. Game 5: 8 assists, dominated second half, played 39 minutes. Doctors cleared him for Game 1, but he chose not to play.
3Celtics' Lack of a 'Plan B' and Leadership
The Celtics' strategy is heavily reliant on three-point shooting, and they struggle to adapt when those shots aren't falling. Their star players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are criticized for not taking over games by driving to the basket or creating alternative offense, instead continuing to 'jack threes' even when cold. This highlights a lack of a 'Plan B' and clear alpha leadership in critical moments.
Celtics average nearly 47 three-point attempts per game in the postseason, shooting 42% in wins but only 27% in losses. Tatum took only two shots in Game 5's fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown dribbled for 20 seconds without a productive outcome.
4Embiid's Game 7 Playoff Struggles
Joel Embiid has a historically poor record in Game 7s, never advancing past the conference semifinals and having statistically weak performances in all three of his career Game 7s. This pattern raises significant doubts about his ability to perform under the highest pressure.
Embiid is 0-5 in semifinals and 0-3 in Game 7s. In his Game 7 losses: 8 turnovers vs. Hawks, 6-for-18 FG and 1-for-6 3PT vs. Raptors, 5-for-18 FG and 0-for-4 3PT vs. Celtics.
Lessons
- For the 76ers: Feed Joel Embiid in the post consistently, even if it slows the game down, to exploit mismatches and draw fouls against the Celtics' bigs.
- For the 76ers: Paul George needs to elevate his defensive focus, specifically targeting one of Boston's primary scorers (Tatum or Brown) to disrupt their rhythm, similar to Jaylen Brown's defense on Luka Dončić.
- For the Celtics: Develop and execute a 'Plan B' offensive strategy that emphasizes driving to the basket and getting to the free-throw line when three-pointers are not falling, rather than solely relying on outside shooting.
76ers' Strategy to Force Game 7
Play fast when possible, but be prepared to slow the game down to Embiid's pace to allow him to get to his spots in the post.
Focus intensely on defensive rebounding to prevent Boston's second-chance points and subsequent three-point attempts.
Utilize Paul George to lock down one of Boston's key offensive players, making it his primary defensive mission.
Notable Moments
Discussion of the Celtics' 28-1 fourth-quarter collapse in Game 5, where they missed their last 16 shots and scored only 1 point.
This highlights the Celtics' critical vulnerability to going cold and their inability to adapt, directly leading to their loss in a closeout game.
The revelation that Joel Embiid was medically cleared for Game 1 but chose not to play, despite the team's struggles without him.
This fuels the narrative of Embiid's inconsistency and raises questions about his commitment or readiness, impacting team dynamics and series outcomes.
The comparison of Joel Embiid to an 'alien' when he's playing at his best, contrasting with his 'biggest tease' label due to injuries and inconsistent playoff performances.
This encapsulates the frustration and admiration surrounding Embiid's career, highlighting his immense talent alongside his perceived unreliability in critical moments.
Quotes
"I have never seen a contending team that can go so cold when you least expect it as the Boston Celtics."
"Joel Embiid to me, former MVP, is the biggest tease in the history of professional basketball."
"When he is on the floor and he is locked in and engaged, he's unstoppable."
"The thing with Boston that makes me mad, they play with their food too much and they stick to the game plan. The game plan is shooting threes."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
FAME VS. FORTUNE AND DO PEOPLE EVEN CARE ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE ANYMORE?! | S8 EP77
"This episode dives into the NBA playoffs, analyzing the Knicks, Sixers, and Spurs, before launching into a heated debate on whether fame has eclipsed talent and the pursuit of money in the digital age."
Shannon Sharpe GOES CRAZY After LeBron & Lakers Go Up 3-0 on Rockets | Nightcap
"The Lakers secured a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Rockets, overcoming their own late-game struggles and capitalizing on Houston's inexperience and critical turnovers, while also celebrating LeBron's enduring dominance and Bronny's playoff contributions."
The Tip-Off Of The NBA Playoffs FIRES UP Gil's Arena
"Gil's Arena analysts dissect the NBA playoff's opening games, highlighting the Wolves' comeback against the Nuggets, LeBron's dominant facilitation for the Lakers, Wembanyama's historic playoff debut, and the Celtics' overwhelming victory over the Sixers."
TATUM'S RETURN, TRAE YOUNG'S DEBUT IN DC & BEING A BASKETBALL COACH & A PIMP IS WILD | S8 EP40
"The hosts debate Jason Tatum's return impact, Trae Young's future with the Wizards and a potential Houston trade, and the shocking case of a college basketball coach moonlighting as a pimp."