The Boston Celtics took control of Game 3 — but not without controversy.
Nick Nurse Calls Out Jayson Tatum After Key Sequence
Even in defeat, Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse made sure the spotlight stayed on a pivotal moment involving Jayson Tatum.
“I thought the Bona fifth was really probably could have been let go,” Nurse said. “And I think Tatum traveled before it anyway.”
The sequence came with 8:22 remaining and Philadelphia leading 85-84, when Adem Bona was called for his fifth foul while defending Tatum — a call Nurse believes shifted the momentum.
Celtics Capitalize After Momentum Shift
Regardless of the debate, Boston responded like a contender.
The Celtics immediately went on an 8-0 run to flip an 85-84 deficit into a 92-85 lead with 5:39 left — a stretch that ultimately decided the game.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 19 of Boston’s 29 fourth-quarter points, taking control of the offense when it mattered most.
“We definitely wanted to come back and respond after dropping one on our home floor,” Brown said. “We can’t lose two games in a row in the playoffs.”
Adem Bona’s Exit Opens the Door
Before foul trouble, Bona had been one of Philadelphia’s most effective players.
He finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks, helping anchor the defense and protect the paint.
The Sixers outscored Boston by nine points during his 22 minutes — the best plus-minus among their rotation.
Once he exited, Boston attacked relentlessly, taking advantage of the weakened interior defense.
Jayson Tatum Delivers Late Dagger
Philadelphia made one final push behind Tyrese Maxey, who finished with 31 points.
The Sixers trimmed the deficit to 103-100 in the final minute, but Tatum answered with a dagger 3-pointer with 27 seconds remaining, sealing the win.
Tatum added another late triple to stretch the lead further, finishing with 25 points on 5-of-9 shooting from deep in just his 19th game back from Achilles surgery.
Celtics’ Shooting Edge Proves Decisive
Boston’s perimeter shooting once again defined the outcome.
The Celtics knocked down 20-of-47 from three-point range, compared to 12-of-35 for Philadelphia — continuing a series trend where the team with the 3-point advantage wins.
Payton Pritchard contributed 15 points, including a key step-back three that helped extend Boston’s lead late in the fourth.
Boston’s Defense Holds Firm Late
Boston also tightened defensively down the stretch.
After Maxey gave the Sixers an 85-84 lead earlier in the fourth, the Celtics limited Philadelphia’s offensive rhythm, forcing contested shots and capitalizing on transition opportunities.
The Sixers’ late-game struggles were compounded by turnovers and missed rotations, allowing Boston to maintain control.
Sixers Miss Joel Embiid’s Presence
Philadelphia again played without Joel Embiid, who continues to recover from an appendectomy.
Paul George added 18 points, but the absence of a dominant interior presence became more pronounced after Bona’s foul trouble.
Celtics Maintain Composure Amid Controversy
While Nurse questioned the officiating, Boston stayed focused.
The Celtics executed offensively, defended with discipline and capitalized on every opportunity created by the momentum swing.
Boston Seizes Series Control
With the win, Boston takes a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 in Philadelphia.
The controversy may linger.
But the Celtics’ response — and their ability to close — is what ultimately defined Game 3.
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