dpBoston made seven of its first nine shots and led by as many as six points, but the Sixers remained close without matching that efficiency.
The Celtics committed five team fouls before the first quarter’s midpoint, putting Philadelphia in the bonus. The Sixers made their first nine free throws, accounting for nine of their first 20 points.
The whistle did not work entirely in Philadelphia’s favor. Jaylen Brown picked up two early fouls and went to the bench before the final five minutes of the quarter, cutting short his first shift against Boston.
Brown left with four points and one assist. Jayson Tatum scored nine early points for the Celtics, while Tyrese Maxey countered with eight for the Sixers.
