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Boston Celtics: No Jaylen Brown, No Problem

By Alex Eddy

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at the 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at the 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics were not fazed by the absence of Jaylen Brown in their game one victory

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 117-101 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Celtics were without Jaylen Brown, but as you can tell by the score, they didn’t need him in this one.

Terry Rozier continued his hot play as he recorded a team-high 29 points, to go along with eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. He was also 7-9 from downtown. Jayson Tatum recorded his third straight game with at least 20 points, by pouring in 28 of his own. Al Horford added 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Is this the new Big 3?

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The big story in this game was the 3-point shooting. The hot-shooting 76ers who finished off the season so strong, weren’t so hot in this one, going just 5-26 from behind the arc. The Celtics were 17-36 from downtown, beating Philadelphia at their own game.

Don’t expect there to be a shooting disparity like this in every game throughout the series, but this is definitley something to keep a sharp eye on going forward. Philadelphia missed some open looks for sure, but you have to give the Celtics credit on the defensive end as well.

Another storyline was Ben Simmons and his seven turnovers. Simmons didn’t look very comfortable tonight and never got in a groove. He did get some easy dunks, but for the most part, Boston was able to slow him down and prevent him from taking the game over in transition. Joel Embiid did have 31 points and 13 rebounds, but it didn’t even matter.

Oh, and Aron Baynes hit just as many 3-pointers as J.J. Redick.

Next: Do not expect Aaron Baynes to start for long

The confidence for the Celtics is at an all-time high right now. Brad Stevens has total confidence in his players and if you look at a guy like Terry Rozier, he has never been more confident in himself. The Celtics have a couple nights off before Game 2. Hopefully, Jaylen Brown will be able to suit up, as the Celtics look to go up 2-0 in the series.

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