Sixers Defeated By Division Rival Celtics

        The 76ers faced off against their Atlantic Division rival Boston Celtics Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The Sixers have beaten Boston twice this season and took them to Game 7 in last year's playoffs. It was a good opportunity for the Sixers to get a win on their home court before a tough 3 game road trip. Although close throughout, the Sixers would lose this one 109-101. The 76ers would pick up a second loss in a row, losing an awful 9 of their 10.
The Celtics picked up a third win in a row.

        Jrue Holiday had a double-double for the Sixers with 18 points and 10 assists and also 4 steals but did not have an efficient game as he was responsible for 5 turnovers and shot 35%. Avery Bradley's defense obviously bothered Jrue and the rest of the Sixers throughout the game. Thad Young had another double-double for Philly, scoring a team high 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, 7 of them offensive. Evan Turner had another stat sheet filling night with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Despite shooting terrible from 3, the Sixers broke 100 points for the 2nd time in 3 games, but they couldn't stop Boston on defense. Philly even won the turnover battle, forcing 22, but Boston shot 51% from the floor and an incredible 57% from the three point line.

       Avery Bradley played an impressive all-around game as he scored an efficient 22 points, collected 7 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and played smothering defense. Veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett played well both adding 18 points for Boston and Jeff Green had 16 points off the bench. The Celtics have played surprisingly well without Rondo at the point (12-4), considering before the All Star break Philadelphia fans hoped Boston would fall out of playoff contention and the Sixers take the 8th seed in the East.     

       Things won't get easier for Philadelphia as 14 of their remaining games are against current playoff teams. Two weeks ago, the Sixers had a great opportunity to turn their season around when they were only 4 games out of the 8th seed. Bynum was even promising to return. Now, 7+ games out, losing 9 of 10, and Bynum considering surgery, things can't get much worse. This season, which started with such potential (even through the first month), has gone completely downhill. The 76ers play Josh Smith and the Hawks (33-26) in Atlanta, Wednesday at 7:30.