How the Boston Celtics are containing the Sixers guard duo

A key aspect of containing the Philadelphia 76ers on offense is limiting their ability to get downhill with the ball in their hands. Throughout the first four games of their matchup, the Boston Celtics have done a great job of accomplishing this by "pinching" at the point of penetration, closing a driving lane by having two defenders position themselves in front of the ball-handler. In doing so, the Celtics are limiting Philadelphia's ability to lean on the speed and shiftiness of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, forcing them to play a slower, more deliberate form of halfcourt offense. The results have been speaking for themselves, as Boston now holds a commanding 3-1 lead over Nick Nurse's team, following another big win on Sunday, April 26. Importantly, the Sixers have struggled in finding an answer to how the Celtics are closing down driving lanes. Outside of game two, where the Celtics tried a deep drop defensive system, Joe Mazzulla has stuck to the principles of limiting dribble-drive penetration, and in turn, the Sixers haven't been able to get much success from their early offensive actions. Finding ways to keep the Sixers guards in front of you is never easy. Mazzulla's plan has arguably been the best-case scenario for Boston, as it's allowed their wings to use their size and length to take up space within the driving lanes. However, as the Celtics get ready for game five, Mazzulla may need to be ready to spring a curveball, because Nick Nurse will undoubtedly have some ideas on how to counter Boston's "pinch" coverage, but that's what playoff basketball is all about. Watch or listen to the "Celtics Chronicle" podcast on: YouTube:  Spotify:  Apple:  Substack:  *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: How the Celtics are containing the Sixers guard duo*