Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 5 vs. 76ers
2. C’s shoot free throws in bunches in Game 5
After being in foul trouble throughout the course of their Game 4 loss, the Celtics seemed to be rewarded in Game 5, shooting 41 free throws and making 31 of them. In the fourth quarter alone, Boston shot 16 free throws, in large part due to Philly’s undisciplined defense.
Less than two minutes into the final frame, the 76ers picked up their fifth team foul of the quarter, sending the Celtics to the line for every foul after that.
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Not only did this give the C’s easy points, but it forced the 76ers to dial down the aggression on the defensive end for fear of putting Boston back on the line.
Against the Cavaliers, the Celtics might not be so lucky in getting to the free throw line as much as they did in Game 5. Philly is an inexperienced team, and played like it throughout the series.
The guys on Cleveland getting the bulk of the minutes can’t say the same, and it’s no hot take to assume they’ll be a lot more disciplined on the defensive end, making Boston earn every single point.
That being said, if the C’s can get draw close to as many fouls as they did in Game 5, not only will they get easy points, but it could put certain Cavaliers in foul trouble, forcing coach Tyronn Lue to turn to some of the more inexperienced players on his roster.