Boston Celtics retake home court with 114-102 victory over Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 – as Jayson Tatum and the C’s spoil Joel Embiid’s MVP celebration despite his 30 points
- Game 4 is again in South Philadelphia, taking place at 3:30pm ET on Sunday
- Joel Embiid cried tears of joy at his MVP ceremony alongside his young son
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The Boston Celtics played spoilers after Joel Embiid’s MVP ceremony to go back home with a 114-102 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series.
Boston silenced the Wells Fargo Center crowd with a balanced performance from the starters.
Jayson Tatum headed for the C’s with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Al Horford labeled his pregame proclamation of being an elite shooter with five 3-pointers (5-7) in a 17-point performance.
Joel Embiid led all 76ers with 30 points and 13 rebounds while James Harden struggled for the most part. Embiid played in only his second game since returning from injury: a sprained LCL in his right knee.
Harden scored 16 points, went 3-14 FG and 2-7 from three-point range – in a drastic change to his Game 1 heroics without his 7-foot partner in crime.
Jayson Tatum led all players with 27 points as the Boston Celtics regained their home court on Friday
Embiid dropped 30 points in addition to 13 rebounds as he attempted to lead Philadelphia to victory
James Harden struggled to regain his Game 1 form, going 3-14 FG and 2-7 from the arc
Friday night marked Embiid’s first appearance for Sixers fans since winning the NBA’s MVP award on Wednesday. The native Cameroonian thanked fans during a pre-game speech, with a cameo from his son, Arthur.
Arthur Elijah De Paula Embiid affectionately ran onto the floor before being picked up by the six-time All-Star after he had already begun to cry.
The lovable pair were greeted with loud cheers and the noise only increased as fans at the Wells Fargo Center got to watch the Embiids up close. Chants of MVP also swept the arena in South Philadelphia.
The Sixers managed to split the first two games in Boston, but came off a disastrous 121-87 Game 2 loss in which the returning Embiid tallied just 15 points and three rebounds in 27 minutes of action.
Philadelphia made just 6 of 30 3-pointers for the game, while Boston made 20 of 51 from deep.
It was a complete exit from Game 1, which the Sixers won 119-115, without the injured Embiid. Not only did Philadelphia make 17 of 38 three-point attempts, including 7 of 14 by Harden, but the Sixers forced 16 turnovers while yielding only six.
However, it was a largely positive night for the Celtics, who have now won back-to-back games and taken a 2-1 series lead.
Grant Williams was accidentally kicked on the head by Embiid while on the floor in a fight over a loose ball.
The sweet Cameroonian made sure to control his opponent as the two shared a moment of superb sportsmanship as they battled for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
