Al Horford: Celtics lacked defensive urgency vs. Embiid-less 76ers

Boston - Celtics drop Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 119-115 despite the absence of MVP candidate Joel Embiid due to a sprained right knee. Celtics shot 58.7% from the field and got 39 points from Jayson Tatum but failed to match the same defensive intensity as Philadelphia, who shot 50.6% from the field. James Harden carried the Sixers, scoring 45 points and hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds remaining.

Celtics' center Al Horford acknowledged the team's lack of urgency on defense and felt that Embiid's absence had an impact on the game. Tatum agreed that the Celtics' defensive intensity was not at the required level, allowing Philadelphia to feel comfortable and score offensive rebounds.

This year's Sixers have formed an identity without Embiid on the court, playing faster and spacing the floor with Harden running the offense. Still, Boston was a double-digit favorite and took advantage of Embiid's absence by attacking the basket and scoring inside. However, in the fourth quarter, Harden's performance outscored Tatum and Jaylen Brown 15-10.

The Celtics lost the lead down the stretch following a turnover from Malcolm Brogdon on a pass thrown directly to Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, who scored a basket with 28.2 seconds remaining in the fourth to put the Sixers in the lead. Tatum thought a shot clock violation had been called and didn't chase Maxey down the court in transition.

The Celtics missed an opportunity to take control of the series, and Brogdon stated the team needs to come out ready and send a message in the next game. Despite other players stepping up, Tatum believes that every loss is a missed opportunity to win, and the Celtics must pick up their defensive pressure to make Philadelphia feel uncomfortable.