Celtics crush Sixers as Tatum and Brown shine in playoff opener

TL;DR

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in their playoff opener, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scoring a combined 51 points. This victory marks the largest margin of victory for the Celtics in a playoff opener.

Key points

Celtics won 123-91 against the 76ers in playoff opener
Tatum and Brown combined for 51 points
Celtics' largest margin of victory in a playoff opener
Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists
Celtics have won last six playoff series against the 76ers

Boston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ersJayson TatumJaylen Brown

Jayson Tatum (R) of the Boston Celtics led the charge, racking up 21 points in the first half (Winslow Townson) (Winslow Townson/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points as Boston Celtics thumped Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in their opening NBA playoff clash on Sunday. The indomitable duo took full advantage of the Sixers' dire shooting struggles to secure the Celtics' largest-ever margin of victory in a playoff opener. Tatum led the charge, racking up 21 points in the first half. It was Brown's turn to go on the rampage after the break, pouring in 16 points in the third quarter alone to take the game beyond Philadelphia's grasp. Both men sat out most of the final quarter, resting up for Tuesday's second home game before the best-of-seven series moves to Philadelphia, but the Celtics' lead continued to grow in a wire-to-wire win. In one of the NBA's classic rivalries, Boston have won their last six post-season series against the Sixers -- a streak that goes back to the 1985 Eastern Conference finals. Tatum showed no ill effects from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered almost a year ago, exhibiting why his return has made the surging Celtics many pundits' pick for this year's NBA title. He finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. "It's an incredible feeling. You know, not too long ago, I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to play this season -- let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs," said Tatum. "Today was probably the most excited and, like, relaxed and grateful I've been in... my nine years of being in the playoffs." Later on Sunday, defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder open their playoff campaign against the , who scraped through to the post-season via the play-in tournament. take on the Eastern Conference top-seeded , before play . amz/bc

Q&A

What were Jayson Tatum's stats in the Celtics vs. 76ers playoff game?

Jayson Tatum finished the game with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

How did the Celtics perform against the 76ers in previous playoff series?

The Celtics have won their last six post-season series against the 76ers, dating back to the 1985 Eastern Conference finals.

When is the next game in the Celtics vs. 76ers playoff series?

The next game in the series is scheduled for Tuesday, before moving to Philadelphia for the subsequent games.

Celtics crush Sixers as Tatum and Brown shine in playoff opener

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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