ESPN's Chris Mannix joins, says the Celtics are in a good spot despite loss
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The WEEI Afternoons podcast dissects the Boston Celtics' surprising 111-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of their playoff series, highlighting a lackluster offensive performance marked by poor shooting—especially from the perimeter—despite a relatively weak defensive opponent. Hosts express concern over the team's tendency to rely excessively on three-pointers even when they're not falling, echoing past playoff failures like the 2023 series against the Knicks. They critique the lack of urgency, defensive lapses, and overreliance on star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while questioning the effectiveness of role players Derek White, Peyton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser. Chris Mannix, senior writer from Sports Illustrated, joins the discussion, acknowledging the shooting slump but emphasizing that the Celtics remain a strong team with elite coaching and depth. He argues that defensive intensity and edge—not just shot-making—will be key in Game 3, and expresses confidence in Joe Mazzulla’s ability to adjust. Mannix also discusses the emergence of the 76ers' young backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and Vijay Edgecombe as a potential long-term identity, with Joel Embiid’s potential return adding another layer of complexity. Despite the loss, the hosts and Mannix agree the Celtics are still in a strong position to win the series and advance.
The Celtics' offensive struggles were not just about shooting, but about a lack of edge and defensive effort, especially against a below-average 76ers defense.
Role players like Derek White and Peyton Pritchard must improve defensively and offensively, but their shooting slump is not a reason for panic given their track records.
Joe Mazzulla’s coaching is still considered elite, but the team must avoid complacency and re-engage with the same intensity from Game 1.
The 76ers’ young backcourt (Maxey and Edgecombe) is emerging as a defining identity, and Joel Embiid’s potential return could shift the series dynamics.
The Celtics should focus on attacking the rim more and forcing fouls, especially against Philly’s aggressive defenders.
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Celtics' Shocking Loss to the 76ers
The hosts break down the Celtics' 111-97 loss to the 76ers, emphasizing the team's poor shooting (13-of-53 from three), lack of offensive flow, and defensive lapses despite facing a below-average defensive opponent.
Jason Tatum and Role Player Struggles
The hosts analyze Jason Tatum’s 19-point, 8-of-19 shooting night and the underperformance of key role players—Derek White, Peyton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser—highlighting their lack of consistency and shot creation.
The Coaching and Tactical Missteps
Criticism is directed at Joe Mazzulla for not adjusting the game plan, particularly in defending the pick-and-roll and failing to counter Philly’s guards. The hosts argue the team played without urgency and allowed the 76ers to gain momentum.
Chris Mannix Joins: A Balanced Perspective
“I'm not worried that his shot's going to come around. He's never going to be a sniper, but if he can be a consistent high 30s, low 40s from three-point range, you give them the kind of defense they're looking for, he's going to be an asset.”
The 76ers’ Emerging Identity and Embiid’s Return
“They've done a nice job of fitting all this together. They've had some injury issues all season long which put them in this predicament where they're playing as the number seven seed.”
“I'm not worried that his shot's going to come around. He's never going to be a sniper, but if he can be a consistent high 30s, low 40s from three-point range, you give them the kind of defense they're looking for, he's going to be an asset.”
“I think it comes down to these shots that they're getting, good shots falling in game three, and just being more active defensively, coming into the game with the same edge they had coming into game one.”
“You give good players, and look, Maxey's an all-star potential all-NBA guard. Edgecombe is going to finish third, I'm sure, at rookie of the year. These are good players. You give them that kind of breathing room when they feel a sense of urgency, they're going to find ways to beat you.”
Host
Guest
Boston Celtics
other
Philadelphia 76ers
other
Jason Tatum
person
Joe Mazzulla
person
Derek White
person
Vijay Edgecombe
person
Jaylen Brown
person
Chris Mannix
person
Tyrese Maxey
person
Peyton Pritchard
person
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