So about the idea that Boston is going to struggle to score against the Sixers...
That may prove to be true over the course of a long series, but it certainly was not accurate in Game 1 as the Celtics took a 56-45 lead into the half. Boston came in with a plan — “hunt Marco Belinelli and attack him” is clearly at the top of the scouting report — and they executed it, getting good ball movement and open looks. Then they drilled them, Boston hit 7-of-12 from three in the first half.
They also got big halves from Terry Rozier and rookie Jayson Tatum. Rozier had 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the first half, and was making plays like this.
Terry Rozier stop and pop from deep! 🎯
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2018
Quick 7-0 @celtics run in Q1 on @NBAonTNT #CUsRise 21 | #PhilaUnite 13 pic.twitter.com/WJyov9BtuN
Tatum led all scorers with 16 and just seemed to do everything, starting with embarrassing Belinelli.
Jayson Tatum crossover and finish! 👀
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2018
16-4 @celtics burst on @NBAonTNT #CUsRise 43 | #PhilaUnite 33 pic.twitter.com/IC2xYY7Us0
Then there was this emphatic dunk.
Horford ➡️ Tatum back door!
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2018
16 for Jayson in the half. #NBARooks#CUsRise pic.twitter.com/sU10C2QsjN
It’s just one half, but it went as well as the Celtics could have scripted a start to Game 1.