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Joe Mazzulla benches Celtics starters early in Game 6 vs. 76ers
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- Joe Mazzulla benches Celtics starters early in Game 6 vs. 76ers
PHILADELPHIA — Joe Mazzulla pulled the plug early on a nightmare performance from his starting lineup in the second half of Game 6 on Thursday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Celtics coach called timeout with 10:23 remaining in regulation as Boston fell behind a game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter against the Sixers . At that point, he pulled his remaining starters out of the gate, including All-Star Jaylen Brown. Payton Pritchard led a bench unit to close out the game with Baylor Scheierman , Jordan Walsh , Ron Harper Jr. and Luka Garza all taking the floor.
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Jayson Tatum was subbed out of the game with four minutes left in the third quarter but did not return to the game over the final 16 minutes. He was in the locker room for a brief part of the third quarter but returned to the bench. It is unclear whether he was dealing with an injury.
Boston's regulars mustered just 14 points in the third quarter before the early benching, shooting 26 percent from the field and 15 percent from 3-point range, going a dismal 2-of-13 from beyond the arc.
The decision to pull the starters so early was potentially a strategic one for Mazzulla with Game 7 looming in just under 48 hours.
The Boston reserves played with some spark as well when they entered the game, putting together a 11-0 run. However, the Sixers responded with some baskets from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey midway through the frame to remain in control.
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The Celtics will host the 76ers in a potential Game 7 on Saturday at TD Garden in a game that will start at either 4 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
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