The Boston Celtics are down 0-1 to the Philadelphia 76ers, and one could argue that the biggest reason was turnovers. So it makes sense to point to an ugly turnover by Malcolm Brogdon, on a pass to no one, in the final minute as the play that summed up a sloppy effort by the C’s in Game 1.

Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey wasn’t exactly John Havlicek on this “steal”…but you can’t fault the Sixers’ Twitter team for being excited.

• MAXEY STOLE THE BALL. pic.twitter.com/ZRKclOWulW

  — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 2, 2023

• Brogdon didn’t exactly get into details on what happened on that play. Because what can you even say about a pass attempt like that? It obviously sucked.

  “On the pass … mistake. Turnover. Happens,” as Brogdon put it, succinctly.

  That sentence was probably the most efficient anyone on the Celtics had been all night. The turnover disparity over the course of the game helped keep the 76ers alive in the first place. Boston finished with 16 turnovers, against just six for Philadelphia.

• 

  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 01: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives towards the basket against Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

• Meanwhile, the Celtics’ defensive effort was arguably worse than the turnovers. The C’s only made three steals as a team, and Jayson Tatum lamented a general lack of pressure on the Sixers to make more difficult shots. Contrast that with the tight defense the Sixers played on the possession that led to the Brogdon turnover.

  “I’ve got to give them some credit,” Tatum said after the game. “They made plays. Guys had great nights, hit some big shots. They were just in a rhythm the whole game. I don’t think our pressure and intensity was necessarily as high as it should’ve been.”

  But the turnovers, my god the turnovers. Bottom line, if Brogdon takes better care of the ball and makes a simple two-pointer, or passes it off to Tatum for a floater, the 76ers could’ve been down three with about 33 seconds left, giving the Celtics a chance to get the game’s final possession with at worst a tie game.

  Instead, it was a breakdown of epic proportions. And the Celtics are left having to deliver a big response after such a disappointing start against a Sixers team without superstar big man Joel Embiid.

• Brogdon isn’t concerned just yet, but he’s well aware that the Celtics need to start – AND finish – Game 2 a lot better than they did in Game 1.

  “We’ve got to come out and send a message next game,” Brogdon said. “I really think that’s the key. At this point they know what we’re going to do. We’ll make minor adjustments, they’ll make some minor adjustments. But it really comes down to playing hard and finishing quarters the right way.”

• Click here for complete Boston Celtics coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.