Boston Celtics: 3 keys to game-one victory today over Philadelphia

By Mark Nilon | Aug 17, 2020

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 12: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 76ers defeat the Celtics 115-109. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Celtics Key No. 1) Get Jayson Tatum going early

First up on the docket we have the likes of the Boston Celtics’ first-time All-Star. While the team as a whole is incredibly stacked in terms of talent, Tatum is the key to their overall success come the end of this year’s campaign.

With this, it should come as no shock when we state that he’ll be a key to tonight’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, and the best chance for this will be to get the talented youngster going early.

Him starting off hot would likely force the Sixers to stray away from what they tend to gravitate toward offensively — post-ups/ interior dominance — and, in turn, force them into mid-to-long range jumpers.

During their struggles throughout the early stages of the bubble, it was a tale of two halves for Tatum. Consistency is key, but there’s no better way to be consistent than by getting off on the right foot.

Should he get off to a blazing hot start, it could be a long night for Philly. Countless occasions this season we have seen Tatum catch fire early and crush an opposing team’s spirit. Overwhelming offensive talent can do that to a team, and Tatum is among the most gifted all-around scorers in the entire NBA at this point.

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