Hoops Nation

Day 26 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs brought only one game on the NBA’s and ESPN’s slate for the second night in a row. The Thunder knocked out the Los Angeles Lakers two nights ago, hence the one game schedule. In the only matchup for the night, the Boston Celtics took on the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia for Game 6, as the Celtics look to close out the series. Boston had the upper hand, leading the series 3-2, but the Sixers looked to force a Game 7. Let’s see if it was Boston or Philly to come out in success tonight.
 

(4) Boston Celtics vs (8) Philadelphia 76ers
 

Quick Breakdown of the Game
 

The game was a heart breaker for the Celtics. The first quarter was owned by Philadelphia. Jrue Holiday came out playing and finished the first quarter with six points and two assists. Paul Pierce matched Holiday’s performance with seven points and one assist. After one quarter, the Sixers led the Celtics by three, 22-19. The Celtics came back up on top in the second quarter. The Boston defense held the Sixers to only 11 points and on the offensive side of the floor, they scored 17. At the end of the quarter, going into halftime, the Celtics led the Sixers by three, 36-33. The third quarter was a let-down for the Celtics. The Sixers played better defense and the offense was just fluid. Despite Paul Pierce’s eight points in the third, the Celtics found themselves trailing after three, 60-56. Paul Pierce did hustle in the fourth quarter with five points, four rebounds, and two assists. Jrue Holiday outscored Pierce with eight points and led the Sixers in the period. Philadelphia went on to win the game by seven, 82-75 to force a Game 7.
 

Boston Celtics Top Performers
 

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were the two green men who showed up to play. Both players recorded double-doubles. Kevin Garnett scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
 

Philadelphia 76ers Top Performers
 

Lou Williams scored 10 points on 5-13 shooting from the bench. Evan Turner and Andre Igoudala scored 12 points each on a combined 9-22 shooting. Elton Brand recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jrue Holiday led the Sixers recording 20 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
 

What to Dwell On?
 

Is Boston doomed or will their experience take them to the Eastern Conference Finals?