News•Sixers
Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
This series is no longer being played on Boston’s terms
The tone has already changed after just two games. In addition to competing with Boston, Philadelphia is making the Celtics change. What appeared to be a game that Boston could win is rapidly changing into something quite different. A series in which the 76ers control the tempo, rhythm, and choices. And that’s a risky development.
Tyrese Maxey is defining the identity of this team
This is a statement rather than a hot stretch at this time. Tyrese Maxey is become the driving force behind all of Philadelphia’s offensive endeavors. This series is being shaped by his capacity to dismantle defenses, regulate tempo, and react under pressure. What’s more, he’s not pressuring the matter. The Sixers are going from being a talented team to a controlled playoff offense because of that mix of being balanced and aggressive without chaos.
This is where Philadelphia becomes harder to stop
The series starts to go off course at this point. Philadelphia is getting significant contributions from every member of the rotation rather than depending only on one player or one scoring run.
While other role players have assumed specified duties without hesitation, VJ Edgecombe’s presence has contributed energy, agility, and unpredictability. Boston’s defense is altered as a result. Because it becomes more about surviving layers of offense than it is about stopping a single option as numerous players start to pose a threat.
The Sixers are controlling tempo and forcing Boston to react
This might be the most important development of the series so far. Philadelphia is playing at their pace:
- Pushing when opportunities are there
- Staying composed in half-court sets
- Avoiding stagnant isolation possessions
Boston, meanwhile, hasn’t consistently imposed its preferred style. And when that happens, the Celtics become reactive instead of assertive which is something they’re not built to sustain over a full series.
Defensive discipline is quietly anchoring everything
Philadelphia’s control in this series is being established on the defensive end, despite the offense receiving the majority of the focus. They have consistently maintained contact, stolen simple looks, and made Boston take unpleasant possessions. It’s not ostentatious, yet it’s intentional and effective. That kind of defensive discipline not only helps throughout a playoff series, but it also establishes who is truly in charge.
The pressure point has officially shifted and this series is now about control
The series begins to lean in this direction. Philadelphia will win the series if they can keep up their offensive flow, receive contributions from several players, and keep Boston responding rather than controlling. The series will turn around on Boston’s terms if they can slow down, regain physicality, and throw off Philadelphia’s flow. Two entirely distinct directions in the same matchup. And in the end, control rather than a single victory or defeat is what matters. Even in a hostile setting, Philadelphia has proven that they can control how this series is played. Once that level of control is established in the playoffs, the focus shifts from who should win on paper to who can maintain control the longest.
Sports journalism student at the University of Oregon covering the Philadelphia 76ers with passion and perspective.
Categorized:News Sixers
