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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 5 vs. Celtics

By Simon Smith

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five after the game in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five after the game in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. Notable poor stretches that cost the Sixers dearly

In Game 2, the Sixers led 53-33 with 3:54 remaining in the second period. However, an 18-3 Boston run to finish the first half completely turned the game on its head, with the Celtics winding up with the win.

Unfortunately, this repeated itself on a couple of crucial occasions in Game 5.

First, the Celtics pulled off an 8-0 in the final 1:45 of the second quarter to go into the main break with a 61-52 lead. During this stretch, the Sixers gave up two crucial 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beater from Terry Rozier to finish the half.

The second run came during the final period, where the Celtics turned a 94-90 deficit into a 100-94 lead with 5:27 remaining. Granted, the Sixers recovered brilliantly in recapturing the lead with a 9-0 run themselves.

However, when you take into the stakes on the line and the fact that it wound up being a two-point victory to the Celtics, these costly stretches will be something the Sixers will look back on with regret when reviewing the game.

Additionally, clutch time wasn’t kind to the Sixers, in this case the final two minutes of the game. During Game 5, the Celtics outscored the Sixers 12-5, also winning the turnover battle 3-0 during this crucial time.

Furthermore, here’s how the clutch moments played out over the course of the series:

In a series that came down to critical moments, clearly the Celtics ultimately came out on top.