Heading into the second-round Boston vs. Philadelphia series, many pundits favored the 76ers. Some even picked the young Sixers to sweep the Celtics. The Brad Stevens-coached Celtics, however, are never a pushover.
Boston dominated in Game One, cruising to a 117-101 victory at TD Garden. Rookie Ben Simmons had a solid game, racking up 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. But Joel Embiid, who scored 31 points and added 13 boards and five assists, was Philly’s real star of the night.
In the third quarter, Boston fans chanted “not a rookie” at Simmons. The Aussie sat out the 2016-17 season due to injury, so though he is technically a rookie, he also had the benefit of spending last season with the team.
Celtics fans hitting Ben Simmons with a chant that’ll make Donovan Mitchell smile… pic.twitter.com/ajZAbAWjSo
— Dime on UPROXX (@DimeUPROXX) May 1, 2018
Utah rookie Donovan Mitchell has gotten joy from insinuating Simmons is not a real rookie as the two have jockeyed for Rookie of the Year. Mitchell seemed to love the chant.
😂😂😂😂
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 1, 2018
The ruthless Boston fans weren’t done. Later in the game, when Celtics rookie forward Jayson Tatum went to the free throw line, the crowd chanted “he’s a rookie.” Tatum, who scored 28 points in 40 minutes, was impressive.
Game One Recap
Check out full highlights from Game One below.
Terry Rozier led Boston with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Veteran Al Horford chipped in 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. J.J. Redick amassed 20 points for the Sixers, who defeated Miami in five games to advance. Boston defeated Milwaukee in seven games in round one.
No. 3 seeded Philadelphia will look to even up the series with No. 2 Boston when the teams match up again in Boston for Game Two. That game is set for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. EST, with coverage on TNT.
