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The Boston Celtics fell 113-97 to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night at TD Garden in Boston. The defeat came after Boston led by 13 points in the third quarter before being outscored 63-34 the rest of the way.
The loss forced a shift in momentum in the series, with the 76ers staying alive behind Joel Embiid’s 33-point performance in his second game back after injury. Boston now leads the series 3-2 heading into Game 6 in Philadelphia.
Jaylen Brown pointed directly to missed execution and shot-making after the third-quarter swing. “I thought we got some good looks. I think we’ll take a look at it, but it felt like we got some good looks. We just didn’t knock them down tonight. But that’s the name of the game,” he said.
Brown stressed the need for review rather than immediate reaction. “Yeah, definitely want to go back and look at it. Just owning our space. Just not good enough overall from the Celtics tonight. So the result was the result. But got to move on, play in another couple days and get a chance to respond. So we’ll look at it, learn from it, and move forward.”
When asked about effort and consistency on both ends, Brown was direct in his evaluation. “It’s tough to say. I feel like we play hard. I also feel like they play hard as well. It just wasn’t good enough from us. Wasn’t good enough on my behalf. We just got to be better.”
Philadelphia’s shooting advantage became a key separator, something Brown acknowledged in basketball terms. “Yeah, just trying to find a rhythm and play through the physicality. It’s playoff basketball. Got to play through the physicality. Tonight I feel like they shot the ball better than us, which doesn’t happen a lot, but they shot the ball from three better than us, and we just got to respond. It’s the playoffs.”
The Celtics guard also pointed to tempo and decision-making late in the game. “Yeah, for sure. Definitely thought we could have played a bit faster. When they score, just take the ball out the net, get down the court. Just overall not good enough tonight.”
As Boston’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter, Brown emphasized accountability across the roster. “We were up 13 and we didn’t take advantage of it. So we’re all to blame, but we just got to watch it and respond and get better and move forward.”
On how to reset before Game 6, Brown highlighted composure under playoff pressure. “Just take a deep breath, relax, and get ready to go. Just have the right mentality and come out and execute your job.”
He also reflected on Joel Embiid’s impact in the paint during Philadelphia’s comeback surge. “I feel like he had too many easy baskets. We need to make him work. It was just too easy for him.”
The Celtics will now travel to Philadelphia for Game 6, with their series lead reduced and pressure shifting after a late-game collapse at home.
