The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers open the NBA season on Wednesday (all times AEDT) in a thrilling showdown between two bona fide title contenders.
The division rivals are the two favorites to come out of the East and will be led by superstars all over the court.
Boston is coming off a tumultuous off-season that saw coach Ime Uodaka stand down for the entire upcoming campaign due to an inappropriate relationship with a team staffer as the team looks to go one better from its NBA finals appearance under the leadership of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
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Wed, 19 Oct
Wednesday October 19th
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Philly meanwhile gets a full season from its new superstar duo Joel Embiid and James Harden, with the former also on a quest to claim a maiden MVP after Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic claimed honors in the last two seasons.
MATCH REPORT
A contentious flagrant foul called against Al Horford on a three-point shot from Harden in the opening term was met with some backlash – which marked Horford’s second foul as he was subbed out.
Harden went on to have a monster first quarter, racking up 16 points on 8-of-8 free throws as the Celtics continued to bite on his pump fake.
“This is undisciplined defense costing Boston right now,” ESPN commentator Stan Van Gundy said.
Harden’s elite play helped the Sixers get out to a 29-24 lead at the end of the first term.
Philly charged ahead early in the second term, extending its lead to double digits behind the lead of Harden and Tobias Harris.
But Boston got a huge response out of Tatum and Brown late in the period including going on a 9-0 run at one stage to come storming back into the contest and take the lead.
A fadeaway Harden three then assist to a Montrezl Harrell dunk steadied the ship for the visitors and the scores were all tied up at half-time 63-63.
Harden led the way at the main break with 22 points and four triples, while Brown (18 points) and Tatum (16 points) were Boston’s best.
There was plenty of spice early in the third as Embiid and Marcus Smart got tangled up after a rebound, leading to a scuffle between the two as they had to be broken up.
It included Smart grabbing Embiid’s leg while he was grounded to really set off the big man, with the Celtics guard getting a technical.
The play prompted a loud “f*** Embiid” chant from the Celtics fans to create plenty of emotion in the match.
Soon after Embiid attempted a massive rejection on Smart, who then stared down the Sixers star to continue the tense vibes on the court.
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