Following a heartbreaking loss, here are three takeaways from Game 3 as the Philadelphia 76ers now trail the Boston Celtics 3-0.
Just like that, the Philadelphia 76ers‘ season is on the brink.
After coming up short in a 101-98 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 3 on Saturday, the Sixers now trail the Celtics 3-0 in the second round playoff matchup.
The Sixers had a momentary cause for celebration, when Marco Belinelli hit a buzzer-beating jumper at the end of regulation to tie the game at 89 and force overtime.
However, despite the presence of their raucous home crowd, the Sixers were unable to come through, with some crucial errors down the stretch costing them dearly.
Final from South Philly. pic.twitter.com/8w816yBsob
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 5, 2018
Joel Embiid led the way with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while rookie Ben Simmons bounced back from his horrid Game 2 by posting 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
For the Celtics, rookie Jayson Tatum was again excellent with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists, while point guard Terry Rozier continued his terrific postseason with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Despite no team in league history having come back to win a series from a 3-0 deficit, head coach Brett Brown nonetheless remains upbeat:
“I believe, if we can maintain our spirit, why couldn’t we be the one? That’s my goal… to fight.”
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 6, 2018
Coach speaks about the odds of being down 3-0. https://t.co/kxSiKEaxRX
Before looking too far ahead, here are three takeaways from Game 3.