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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Celtics

BySimon Smith|
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

After being totally outplayed by the Boston Celtics, here are three takeaways for the Philadelphia 76ers from Game 1 of their second round playoff series.

The Philadelphia 76ers came crashing back to earth in a big way in their Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

Having marched through the first round with a convincing 4-1 series win over the Miami Heat, the Sixers enjoyed a six-day break before heading to TD Garden to take on the Celtics. Despite the absence of their two best players in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, not to mention second-year forward Jaylen Brown, the Celtics dominated Game 1 from start to finish, coming away with a 117-101 win.

The Sixers were led by center Joel Embiid, who notched 31 points and 13 rebounds, while veteran guard J.J. Redick chipped in 20 points. Rookie Ben Simmons showed flashes of his brilliance with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists, but his seven turnovers were a major blemish on his overall performance.

For the Celtics, guard Terry Rozier led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists, hitting a sizzling 7-of-9 from 3-point range. Additionally, rookie forward Jason Tatum had 28 points, while All-Star Al Horford was excellent with 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field.

Whether it was the six-day layoff, or the Celtics’ hot shooting, the Sixers never truly threatened the Boston in their opening contest, and were outscored in each of the four quarters.

Before the series resumes on Thursday, here are three main takeaways from Game 1.