Tyrese Maxey on what Philadelphia 76ers can do better vs. Boston Celtics in Game 2

TL;DR

Tyrese Maxey emphasized the need for the Philadelphia 76ers to improve their defense after a 123-91 loss to the Boston Celtics. He believes Game 2 is a chance to correct mistakes and make the Celtics uncomfortable.

Key points

Tyrese Maxey discussed the 76ers' loss to the Celtics.
Maxey emphasized the need for better defense.
Game 2 is on April 21 at 7 pm ET.

Philadelphia 76ersBoston CelticsTyrese MaxeyJaylen Brown

To Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers' 123-91 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics hit the Sixers guard especially hard given how it unfolded, and what his team had gone through just to get to that spot. "I’ll say this -- I think this is my fifth playoffs, so, losses, whether you lose by 7, 12, 100, they all hurt; they all don’t feel good." "But this one, it sucks; we didn’t expect this at all, but we've just got to play better," Maxey continued. "Paul (George) said something that registered in my mind; they didn’t feel like it was a playoff game. We did, but they didn’t. You know what I’m saying? They just did us easy." "I feel like it was an easy game, and that’s not okay – we've got to make them more uncomfortable," said the Dallas, Texas native.

Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives to the basket past Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Still, Maxey isn't feeling hopeless just yet, and sees Game 2 as an opportunity to correct some of what went sideways for the Sixers. "I think most of the immediate stuff is like if you see somebody driving to the rim, step in front of them, no matter what their scenario, especially if it’s Jaylen (Brown) or Jayson (Tatum). Step in front of them, make them kick the ball out, then rotate off of that." "But they got wide open, walk-down-the-lane layups, walk-down-the-lane dunks, I think got one too, those are the ones we can't give up. It’s already going to be tough regardless, and we’re capable of doing it, but we can’t give those types of plays up." Game 2 tips off at TD Garden this Tuesday, April 21 at 7 pm ET. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *

Q&A

What did Tyrese Maxey say about the 76ers' loss to the Celtics?

Tyrese Maxey expressed that the loss was particularly painful and highlighted the need for the team to play better and make the Celtics uncomfortable.

When is Game 2 of the 76ers vs. Celtics playoff series?

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 7 pm ET at TD Garden.

What defensive adjustments did Maxey suggest for the 76ers?

Maxey suggested that players should step in front of driving opponents and prevent easy layups and dunks, particularly against key players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.