The Boston Celtics will continue to be successful if the young stars on the 76ers don’t play better
The Boston Celtics went into this series with the Philadelphia 76ers knowing their defense would be pushed in new ways. Both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons present some of the most unique problems in the NBA, and no team has a clear answer for them.
The Celtics knew it would have to be a collective effort, because they never want to be one dimensional, and want to throw as many obstacles in the way of those two young stars.
After two games, it is hard to imagine the Celtics do a better job on the two of them. Simmons has played two of the worst games of his career, and Embiid cannot exploit matchups enough to really take over the game.
The Celtics know how they want to defend these two young stars, and they have been more effective than anyone could have expected. With Simmons, it is about making things as difficult as possible on him, making sure he does not get a single clean look with the ball in his hands.
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With Embiid, it has been about isolating his situations. Embiid has been able to score in this series, and has taken advantage of matchups. That being said, the Celtics are forcing him into isolation, and making sure any time he gets going, he is hurting the rhythm or the rest of the team.
The Celtics have orchestrated a phenomenal plan against the two of them, and they have needed Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Aron Baynes to be at the very best, with all kinds of help around them. They are making sure neither Embiid or Simmons are able to do the things that would destroy this game, and they do not have enough to win without them.
The Celtics understand that there are particular ways that both Embiid and Simmons can impact the overall game. Simmons cannot shoot, so there is no worry of him taking over with his scoring. Embiid, who has been able to score, is never going to be able to do enough with post ups and random three pointers.
Neither Embiid nor Simmons have been able to impact the players around him, and that has allowed be Celtics to get an advantage on them. The Celtics have been the top defense all year long, and it is about their ability to work together, while not being scared of any individual matchups.
You know the 76ers will have adjustments, and they know how much better their top players have to be. They are too talented to be limited for an entire series, but the Celtics have options and will be ready to adjust. The best part is that the Celtics have multiple options that have worked so far. Even if Simmons and Embiid figure out how to attack in one way, that will not be enough.
Next: Celtics do not look injured and inexperienced
The Celtics have stayed ahead of Embiid and Simmons at every point of these two games, and if they keep this up and prevent them from taking over a game entirely, the Celtics should be able to get out of the second round.