Before this series, many anticipated a fierce showdown between these two rivals. The Sixers had eliminated the Celtics in Game 7 last year, and fans expected a repeat of that intensity. But things changed dramatically when Embiid’s injury forced him out of the first three games. With their star player absent, Philadelphia struggled to find their rhythm.

The Celtics seized this opportunity — they shot an astonishing 55.9% of their attempts from beyond the arc throughout the series, marking it as one of the highest rates in playoff history. In stark contrast, the Sixers averaged just 14.7 transition points per game in this series compared to 25 during regular-season matchups against Boston.

Key statistics from the series:

• Celtics outscored the Sixers by 21.8 points per game from beyond the arc.
• Celtics shot 39.6% from three-point range in their two wins; only 26% in Game 2.
• The Sixers shot 19-for-39 (49%) from three-point range in Game 2 but fell to just 28% in their two losses.

This dramatic shift has had immediate consequences for both teams. The Celtics are thriving on their perimeter game — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have stepped up as key scorers, showcasing their ability to capitalize on open shots. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as a bright spot for the Sixers but lacks consistent support without Embiid.

A few expert insights:

• The Celtics are living by the three — it’s a make-or-miss series that hinges on shooting efficiency.
• The Sixers should be desperate, having lost home-court advantage and unable to get stops down the stretch.
• Lucky breaks often dictate outcomes in small playoff sample sizes; shooting better than expected has been crucial for Boston.

The stakes are high as both teams prepare for what could be a pivotal Game 5. With Embiid’s status still uncertain — no timeline has been shared regarding his return — every possession counts for Philadelphia. As they look to regain momentum, the Celtics will aim to solidify their dominance and push towards a potential sweep.

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