76ers vs. Celtics: Game 2 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The Boston Celtics failed to come out strong on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the young 76ers made them pay for it, taking Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at the TD Garden.

Both teams struggled from the floor in the 76ers' 82-81 victory, but the Sixers used an advantage in rebounding and some timely shots down the stretch to knot the series at one game apiece.

Is another upset in store for the underdog 76ers? We shall see as we head to Philly. 

Tweets of the Night

ESPN's Daily Dime crew detailed what was a slow first quarter for both teams:

"

At the end of Q1,the Celtics are up 25-21 on the Sixers. B. Bass missed 5 wide open jumpers and the Sixers can't get their offense going

— Dime Update (@DimeUpdate) May 14, 2012"

The self-proclaimed NBA Guru quipped:

"

Love that Celtics come out for warmups to the Rocky theme music. 76ers should consider coming out to Good Will Hunting theme on Weds.

— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) May 14, 2012"

Charles Barkley saw the Celtics' lack of fire as a sign that they didn't respect the 76ers. Via Turner Sports PR:

"

TNT's Barkley: “It is 100% clear to me the Celtics have zero respect for the Philadelphia 76ers. They’re not playing with any emotion....”

— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) May 15, 2012"

As always, Not Bill Walton had something to say about the game's lack of offense:

"

Sixers/Celtics is making the slow grinding of Clippers/Grizzlies look like a hyperactive kindergarten class hopped up on pop rocks & Pepsi.

— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) May 15, 2012"

But the action picked up in the fourth quarter, making for a thrilling finish.

Jason Whitlock of FoxSports.com tweeted:

"

Great finish. Who saw this coming after the 3rd quarter?

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) May 15, 2012"

Must-See Highlights

Rajon Rondo made a sweet alley-oop pass to center Ryan Hollins in the second quarter.

Philly's Jrue Holiday matched up against Rondo, and got off to a quick start in the first half after a poor Game 1. 

Grades for Key 76ers Players

Jrue Holiday: B+

 Holiday was one of the few players on Monday night who actually was able to score at a good rate. The PG didn't have a lot of assists, with three, but his offensive performance was important for the 76ers at TD Garden. Holiday finished with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting.

Andre Iguodala: B-

Andre Iguodala struggled shooting the ball early on, but got it going down the stretch. He also moved the ball around and rebounded the basketball. He did struggle with four turnovers, however. Iguodala finished with 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds. 

Spencer Hawes: B

After averaging 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in the regular season, Spencer Hawes has stepped up big time for the Sixers in the playoffs. He once again was a double-double threat on Monday and provided some post defense with his shot-blocking ability. Hawes ended with eight points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes of play.

Grades for Key Celtics Players

Kevin Garnett: B

Kevin Garnett didn't get anything going offensively until the fourth quarter, but he turned it on down the stretch at home. He crashed the glass and almost was able to lead the Celtics to victory. Garnett finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Paul Pierce: C-

Paul Pierce was disruptive on defense, but he never got it going offensively, struggling from the field and turning the ball over at an alarming rate (a team-high five). Pierce ended with seven points on 2-of-9 shooting.

Rajon Rondo: B

The Celtics need Rajon Rondo's offense more than ever right now, and he didn't have particularly good shooting night for Game 2. He got his teammates involved as usual, though. Rondo finished with eight points, 13 assists and two steals.

Deciding Factor: Rebounding

Both teams shot poorly from the field and committed a slew of turnovers, but the 76ers had a distinct advantage on the glass with a total effort. They had 11 offensive rebounds in the game and out-rebounded the Celtics, 47-36.

Game MVP: Jrue Holiday

Several players chipped in for the Sixers, but Holiday's scoring ability was critical in what turned out to be a low-scoring, close road victory over the C's. 

What's Next?

The 76ers host the Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday (TNT, 7 pm ET).

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