The Philadelphia 76ers proved a lot of people wrong with their gutsy 113-97 Game 5 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, including NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
The Sixers were down 3-1 heading into the fifth game of the series, and Johnson, like many others, had apparently counted them out. But, that proved to be a mistake.
Magic Johnson Offers Apology to 76ers for Counting Them Out
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: Magic Johnson reacts as he speaks to the press resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Thanks to a dominant performance from star center Joel Embiid (33 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds), the Sixers were able to extend the series – and their season – for another game, at least.
After the final horn sounded, Johnson took to social media to offer an apology to the Sixers for doubting them. He also gave credit to head coach Nick Nurse for an effective game plan.
“I have to apologize to the Philadelphia 76ers for thinking the Series was over after Game 4,” Johnson wrote. “Tonight, the 76ers beat the Celtics and were led by the dominant inside play of Joel Embiid – he had 33 points and 8 assists!
“He had plenty of help from Tyrese Maxey’s 25 points, Paul George’s 16 points and Quentin Grimes’ 18 points off the bench which included four 3’s! Grimes also played solid on the defensive end which helped the 76ers beat the Celtics 113-97!
“My hat goes off to 76ers Coach Nick Nurse who had an awesome game plan and had his team believing that they could beat the Celtics on the road in Boston!”
Magic Johnson Has Been Keeping a Close Eye on the Sixers-Celtics Series
GettyLAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson watches the Lakers take on the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boston won 86-81. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Johnson has apparently been keeping a close eye on the series. He heaped praise on the Celtics following their 128-96 win over Philly in Game 4.
“I just witnessed the best all around team performance in the NBA Playoffs so far by the Boston Celtics in their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers…,” Johnson wrote. “Their defense was amazing and offensively they made a total of 24 3’s! The Celtics big three were fantastic – Tatum had 30 points, Brown had 20 points and Pritchard was the man that had the crowd going crazy with his dynamic 32 points off the bench! Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla has his team playing their best basketball at the right time!”
The series between Philadelphia and Boston has been a bit back-and-forth. The Celtics got a win in the first game of the series, and the Sixers responded with a victory of their own in Game 2. The Celtics then ran off two straight before the Sixers responded in extremely impressive fashion in Game 5. The series will now shift back to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Thursday night.
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