76ers vs. Celtics: Game 5 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis
The Boston Celtics knew the importance of Game 5 and played with a real sense of urgency throughout the second half to secure the 101-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Game 5 winner ends up advancing 83 percent of the time when the series is tied 2-2, which means the 76ers are now in big trouble.
Despite trailing at the half, the Celtics used their size in the paint to bully the Sixers, racking up 23 fouls on Philadelphia. Both teams hit 36 field goals, but the Celtics went 26-of-33 (78 percent) from the line, while the 76ers were 10-of-16 (62 percent).
Now with a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series, Boston is once again in control of a series that has featured plenty of twists and turns.
Tweets of the Night
Despite dealing with an incredible amount of injuries (Avery Bradley sat out), the 2012 Celtics have been one of the most resilient teams in the storied history of their franchise, according to Bill Simmons aka “The Sports Guy” of Grantland:
"PS: love the way Boston played tonight. Most banged up Celtics playoff team in 25 yrs and they never make excuses. Such a resilient bunch.
— Bill Simmons (@sportsguy33) May 22, 2012"
Although they allowed the Celtics to go on some strong runs, the 76ers never threw in the towel. Considering how young their core is, that’s pretty impressive, says Dan Wolken of The Daily:
"Man, the Sixers are tough. They just refuse to get rattled.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 22, 2012"
The final score wasn’t indicative of how close this game was.
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe provides us with the details of the outstanding third quarter of Brandon Bass:
"#Bass scores 18 points in the third quarter on 6-for-7 shooting. #celtics desperately needed another scorer with Ray Allen and Pierce cold
— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) May 22, 2012"
In the third quarter, Bass scored 18. The 76ers as a team scored 16.
KG may have just celebrated his 36th birthday, but his Game 5 performance was the big difference for Boston. Although he certainly isn’t using his athletic ability to be effective, as ESPN’s John Hollinger reminds us:
"Garnett couldn't elevate over Spencer freaking Hawes. A little piece of my youth died just now.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) May 22, 2012"
Must-See Highlights
The Celtics bench has created a new move that will surely sweep the nation. Every time their teammates do something positive on the floor, they raise their hands up and do a pull-up motion of some sort.
What’s the deal with that?
While Andre Igoudala had a rather quiet game (eight points, six rebounds), he had the dunk of the night in the second quarter over both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
Grades for Key 76ers Players
Lavoy Allen: A-
The little-used power forward was thrust into action, and he shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor for 12 points and also grabbed two rebounds in 19 minutes.
He was a very pleasant surprise down low for a team that struggled in the paint on Monday.
Evan Turner: D
He collected 11 points on 13 shots and played some horrific defense that led to easy buckets for Boston.
Turner is improving rapidly, but he still has a ways to go.
Elton Brand: C
He scored 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, but only secured three rebounds.
Bass crushed him on the glass and Brand allowed the Celtics far too many second-chance opportunities. He gets an “A” on offense and an “F” on defense.
Grades for Key Celtics Players
Paul Pierce: B-
This wasn’t a memorable game for Pierce, but he found a way to get to the line and ended up going a perfect 9-of-9 from the stripe. That’s how you finish with 16 points while only making three field goals.
Gritty game from Pierce.
Kevin Garnett: A-
Garnett continues to fight off age as he plays with the energy of a player 10 years younger. His intensity on both sides of the floor was huge and one of the main reasons Boston is once again in control of this series.
He finished with 20 points and six rebounds, while collecting two steals.
Rajon Rondo: B+
Another game, another double-digit assist total for Rondo. He dished 14 for the game and is averaging almost 15 per contest in the series.
He made the offense click with his penetration and vision. The 13 points were just icing on the cake.
Brandon Bass: A
This was the official breakout game for Bass. His 27 points and six rebounds were instrumental in ensuring the team didn’t go back to Philly facing elimination.
Deciding Factor: Third Quarter
The 76ers held a three-point lead at the half, and that’s when the Celtics exploded.
Behind a raucous crowd, the Celtics went on a 14-4 run, fueled by Bass, that turned a small deficit into a nine-point cushion heading into the final period.
The energy and urgency of Boston could not be matched, and it led to a relatively pressure-free fourth quarter.
Game MVP: Brandon Bass
When you beat your previous playoff high by eight points, you know you’ve had a stellar game.
Bass was a monster in the post, and the Celtics offense was plus-17 when he was on the floor. He even had two blocks and steals in a performance that he will never forget.
What’s Next?
The Celtics now have two opportunities to finish off the pesky 76ers once and for all.
Their first opportunity will be Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET back in Philadelphia. If they can’t finish the job, Game 7 will be back at TD Garden in Boston on Saturday.
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