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Nikola Vucevic described the Boston Celtics’ 108-100 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers as a game defined by execution, physicality, and late-game composure on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“It was fun. It was fun,” Vucevic said when asked about the matchup following Boston’s 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series.
The veteran big man pointed to the rhythm of the contest, which featured multiple lead changes and key defensive stops down the stretch. “Game back and forth. Both teams really battled, just a couple more plays towards the end,” he said.
He highlighted Boston’s late sequence of winning plays, including offensive rebounding and perimeter defense. “Offensive rebound by D-White, some good defensive plays that helped us close out game like JB steal. So a lot of plays by a lot of guys.”
Vucevic also underlined the importance of collective contribution in playoff environments. “They came in, had a huge impact. It was a big win,” he said.
Asked about the intensity of postseason basketball, he connected the experience to his broader career in the league. “Been playing in too many unfortunate playoff games, but the ones I play, the intensity, the stakes are much higher and you have to bring your game up to a higher level especially the physicality,” he said.
He added that the game reflected that reality. “I just felt like tonight was a good example of that,” Vucevic said.
The Celtics forward also described the matchup as typical of postseason basketball, where consistency on defense becomes decisive. “It wasn’t a perfect game. A lot of back and forth like I said, mistakes here and there which happen, but we found a way,” he said.
Physical matchups in the paint also shaped the contest, particularly against Philadelphia’s interior rotation. “Definitely physical game, especially for us, the days battling with Drummond, those guys under when they’re driving also,” Vucevic said.
Despite the grind, he emphasized enjoyment in high-stakes basketball. “It’s what you play for. You want to play in the playoffs. You want to hopefully make a deep run. Have these big games. It’s the best part of being a professional athlete,” he said.
He also noted how contributions across the roster define winning stretches. “Whenever you get in and you’re able to help the team, it’s always fun,” Vucevic said.
Looking at Andre Drummond specifically, he acknowledged the challenge of repeated matchups dating back to earlier in their careers. “I’ve had a lot of battles when he was in Detroit, I was in Orlando,” he said.
“He’s one of the best rebounders in the NBA… really good player, had a heck of a career.”
Vucevic concluded by emphasizing Boston’s defensive identity as the stabilizing factor when offensive flow fluctuates. “Regardless of what’s going on, our defense has always been there for us,” he said.
Boston now leads the series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Sunday in Philadelphia.
