The Boston Celtics dropped their second game in a row to the now first-place Philadelphia 76ers on the road despite star forward Jaylen Brown tying his career high of 42 points Friday night, losing rookie point guard Payton Pritchard to an apparent sprained knee early in the game in the process.
Yet again, the Celtics had trouble keeping 76ers center Joel Embiid off the free throw line, and a late explosion from forward Ben Simmons ended up putting a mostly competitive game throughout the first three quarters out of reach. Embiid put up another massive offensive game with 38 points and 11 rebounds, including going 14-of-15 from the stripe.
Payton Pritchard leaves game vs. 76ers early with apparent knee sprain https://t.co/M8XvPROoSM
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 23, 2021
Apart from Brown’s career-equalling 42-point, 9 rebound night, Marcus Smart chipped in a 20-point, 7-assist game as well, and Kemba Walker added 19 points and 5 assists in just his third game back of the season.
The Celtics now fall to 8 – 6 and drop to fourth in the East standings after tonight’s loss, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers next at home on Sunday, Jan. 24.
