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Sixers describe their energy, focus after shootaround ahead of Game 6
TL;DR
The Philadelphia 76ers showed confidence and focus during their shootaround ahead of Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. With the series at 3-1, they aim to secure a win at home to force a decisive Game 7.
Key points
- Sixers completed shootaround with music at Xfinity Mobile Arena
- They are trailing 3-1 in the series against the Celtics
- Joel Embiid was key in their last win over Boston
- The team emphasizes the importance of Game 6
- A win would lead to a Game 7 in Boston
Philadelphia 76ersBoston CelticsJoel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up shootaround on Thursday morning with music blaring from the loudspeakers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. From playing music from the likes of NBA YoungBoy to Drake, the Sixers looked confident as they head into another win-or-go-home situation with the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
Trailing 3-1 in this series, the Sixers went into TD Garden and beat the Celtics 113-97 thanks to a dominant defensive effort in the fourth and Joel Embiid stepping up to get the job done. Now, they have to do it again at home to force a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Boston on Saturday.
"Itās the same intensity we had last game," Quetnin Grimes said after shootaround. "Same focus. Canāt look too far ahead. We had a good shootaround. Had good energy today. Everybody knows how important today is. It could be the last game of the season. So, we gotta leave it all out on the court."
The Celtics are going to punch back. It happens a lot in this league when teams get knocked down, the great ones get back up and swing harder. Boston has done this plenty of times in its history under coach Joe Mazzulla and one has to believe the Celtics have something in store for the Sixers on Thursday.
"Kinda similar to after Game 2 when we went up there," Grimes added. "We came back home and it is what it was so we gotta come in with the same focus. Coach is gonna have them prepared over there, Mazzulla, for sure. So, we gotta come out with the same intensity, if not even more, so we can force a Game 7 back at their house."
The Sixers dropped both Games 3 and 4 of this series at home, including a 32-point drubbing in Game 4 to drop into the 3-1 deficit. They will need to rally together on Thursday to avoid another home loss that would end their season if they can't get it done.
"Even in the regular season, our home record wasnāt as good as our road record," Grimes said. "We know that so coming into the game tonight, we gotta defend home court because 100% we wanna get back to Boston for a Game 7."
Tip off from the Xfinity Mobile Arena is set for 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday.
Q&A
What is the current series score between the Sixers and Celtics?
The current series score is 3-1 in favor of the Boston Celtics.
Who stepped up for the Sixers in their last game against the Celtics?
Joel Embiid played a crucial role in the Sixers' victory over the Celtics, contributing significantly to their 113-97 win.
What do the Sixers need to do to force a Game 7?
The Sixers need to win Game 6 at home against the Celtics to force a winner-take-all Game 7.
