Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Christmas loss to Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images /

1. Sixers need to go to Jimmy Butler on offense more down the stretch

Jimmy Butler has already made two game-winning baskets and made a number of key plays in the final moments of games since arriving in Philadelphia. It seems like the team forgot about that on Tuesday night when things got tight.

Butler put together a masterful performance on the defensive end, but it didn’t translate into touches on offense down the stretch. He took just five shots in the final 17 minutes of the game for the Sixers, but it wasn’t really through any fault of his own.

At times, Ben Simmons put them in bad positions in the fourth quarter with bad shot selection and it showed in the final result. On top of that, the team overused Joel Embiid a bit and it showed in three turnovers from Embiid in the fourth quarter.

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When Butler is playing well on defense, it typically translates into good things on offense. That’s something the Sixers will have to remember going forward. They mailed it on offense on too many possessions down the stretch and it showed in yet another loss to the Celtics on the road.