Tatum and Celtics force Game 7, grab improbable 95-86 Game 6 win in Philly

The headline for Boston was Jayson Tatum, who erased an icy shooting performance with the season on the line.Improbably the All-NBA forward went 0-for-10 shooting the ball in the first half before a clutch fourth quarter scoring outburst. Tatum ended the night with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks.

Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown kept Boston’s offense afloat while Tatum (and Al Horford) struggled for much of the night. Though Brown only had 17 points, his tenacity and willingness to attack the basket were critical for the Celtics. Marcus Smart was huge for the visiting team as well, providing stability and a bit of shooting for the team.

Importantly, the Celtics overcame committing 18 turnovers. Coupled with just 5 points combined from Horford and Tatum through three quarters, Boston’s offense was choppy and inconsistent. It really looked as if the team was going to come up short. Thankful for Celtics fans, Jayson Tatum had other plans.