PHILADELPHIA — The Celtics struggled to convert opportunities even as their defense held for stretches against a 76ers team that overmatched Boston’s size. Adding Al Horford proved to escalate Philadelphia’s defensive upside, as he and the 76ers negated any Boston offensive momentum. Boston shot itself in the foot at the free throw line through a long, physical evening.
Brad Stevens: Philadelphia’s length and size disrupted the offense, happy with compete that Celtics showed in the opener.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jbiZBspUak
Jayson Tatum: All love with Horford, but when the game starts they’re not cool. Bad shooting night was an outlier, no excuses, but couldn’t throw a rock in the ocean even on good looks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FcC25DXI9E
Gordon Hayward: Celtics can bank on making more shots in the future, solid defensive job on Joel Embiid one of many silver linings in the loss. Foul trouble “definitely throws you off.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLwocPcFTNk
Kemba Walker: No pressing, just misses on opening night. Botched free throws were tough, “that can’t happen.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ZBzB36PPo
Al Horford: “Still very weird,” to face the Celtics with the 76ers. Glad it’s over and Philadelphia beat Boston on Opening Night. Plus what it’s like to see Marcus Smart’s foul-drawing on the other side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvzrGs2lWDA
