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Celtics Host Sixers: Highlights, Score and recap from NBA Opening Night Win

By Denholm Harold

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers on October 16, 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers on October 16, 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics center
Boston Celtics center /

Defense:

Sixers All-Star Joel Embiid is an MVP contender for a very good reason, but the Celtics exploit his tendency to absorb possessions in the post for contested shots to terrific effect. Embiid scored 23 points on 21 shots tonight, facing a combination of Aron Baynes and Al Horford in the middle who are both versatile, intelligent, and strong defenders. Embiid’s post ups played right into the Celtics hands.

The Sixers have a reputation for being sloppy with the ball, finishing at the bottom of the league last season in turnovers; they continued the trend tonight as the Celts forced a total of 16 turnovers. The Celtics also held Philadelphia to an abysmal 39.1% from the field as the switchy, aggressive defense that marked their amazing campaign last year was alive and well.

Horford looked his athletic, and bouncy self as he quarterbacked the Celtics defense throughout the night, tallying five monster blocks and altering countless other shots. He also did a great job battling with Horford in the post, as we mentioned earlier, a key for him in his first start at center.

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