Celtics struggle from deep and drop Game 2, 111-97, to Sixers

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics sounded ready heading into Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. They knew their opponent would be better, and they were. However, that preparation didn't show on Tuesday night, as the Celtics lost on the margins, struggled down the stretch, and fell to the Sixers 111-97 at TD Garden.After shooting over 36 percent from deep in Game 1 (and winning by a whopping 32 points), the Celtics missed 37 of their 50 attempts from 3-point land in Game 2. Conversely, the Sixers were an abysmal 17.4 percent from beyond the arc in Game 1 and shot 49 percent in Game 2, converting on 19 of their 39 triples.Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the second half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesCeltics star Jayson Tatum still nearly put together a triple-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists in 39 minutes. And fellow Celtics star Jaylen Brown had a game-high 36 points and was responsible for 5 of the Green Team's 13 triples. But, it wasn't enough, as no other Celtic scored in double figures.AdvertisementAs for the Sixers, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe dazzled with 30 points and 10 rebounds, which felt reminiscent of the regular-season opener when he scored 34 points in his first NBA game ever. Sixers star point guard Tyrese Maxey also finished with 29 points and helped Philadelphia overcome the absence of 2023 league MVP Joel Embiid, who was sidelined for Games 1 and 2 due to surgery recovery from an appendectomy.The Celtics next opportunity to bounce back arrives on Friday evening for Game 3 in Philadelphia, with the series tied 1-1.Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics misfire from beyond the arc and fall 111-97 to 76ers in Game 2