Boston Celtics: 3 keys to series clinching win today against Philadelphia

C’s key to victory No. 2) Avoid avoidable fouls

This key could honestly have been intertwined with side number one in regard to sloppy play, however, this problem was so massive in game three, we felt obligated to give it its own slide.

One of the most devastating facts from the Boston Celtics’ last outing was the fact that, by the end of the first quarter, the team’s franchise player, Jayson Tatum, had already managed to accumulate three personal fouls, two of which were easily avoidable.

Because of this, his aggression was sorely hindered for the rest of the game, as he was in constant fear of accumulating more fouls which, in turn, severely affected his efficiency.

Having this performance follow up his previous two that each saw him set new playoff-highs in the scoring department was a real buzzkill, regardless of the fact that the Celtics still managed to walk away with a victory.

Daniel Thies, the team’s main combatant to Joel Embiid on defense, found himself slap-happy, as he seemingly couldn’t help but send the All-Star center to the line, where he shoots 81 percent. The “German Hammer” would only log 26 minutes on the night, as he fouled out within the final five minutes of regulation.

As a whole, the Cs picked up 23 personal fouls, sending Philadelphia to the line for 34 attempts where they converted on 29 of them (an 85 percent shooting clip).

Simply put, these are free-scoring opportunities that kept the Sixers within striking distance seemingly all game. This is by no means a recipe for long-term success.

In game four, Boston needs to stay on their feet and keep their hands in check while on the less glamorous side of the ball.