Jayson Tatum’s three-pointer decided the outcome, giving the Boston Celtics a 108-100 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their first playoff series.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Jayson Tatum proved himself as a Boston Celtics superstar capable of determining and influencing the course of a game. The All-Star hit a crucial three-pointer minutes before the end of Game 3 of the playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Payton Pritchard then followed with a step-back three-pointer to extend Boston’s lead to 103-98. Tatum’s composure and scoring prowess ultimately proved decisive as the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-100 in a thrilling match on Friday, April 24, 2026, US time.

This victory also improved the Boston Celtics’ lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1.

Jayson Tatum proved himself as the Boston Celtics’ superstar, influencing the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their first playoff series.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points on 5-of-9 three-point shooting.  This appearance also marked his 19th game following his comeback from a lengthy absence following Achilles tendon surgery in May of last year. His partner, Jaylen Brown, also added 25 points, including an eight-point run late in the fourth quarter.

The Philadelphia 76ers actually fought hard thanks to Tyrese Maxey’s 31 points. However, Jayson Tatum’s late-game execution ruined their chances. Paul George added 18 points for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Without Joel Embiid recovering from appendicitis, the Philadelphia 76ers relied heavily on their guards, VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey. However, the Boston Celtics’ prowess from the three-point range was difficult to match in this match. The Boston Celtics hit 20 of 47 three-point attempts, while the Philadelphia 76ers hit just 12 of 35.

VJ Edgecombe had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but struggled to score from the three-point range.  Their shooting record was zero, 0-for-7 from long range. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond also only scored a combined 22 points in place of Embiid, who was out due to injury. The Boston Celtics’ depth advantage clearly favored their experience and playoff track record.

Jayson Tatum proved himself as the Boston Celtics’ superstar, influencing the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their first playoff series.

The Boston Celtics’ superiority in long-range shooting also became a pattern throughout the series. In Game 1, the Celtics hit 16 three-pointers in a convincing 123-91 victory. Game 2 saw the Philadelphia 76ers hit 19 three-pointers in their surprising 111-97 victory in Boston. Then again, Game 3 was entirely the Boston Celtics’, with the three-point line being their mainstay.

A 2-1 Boston Celtics lead is not impossible in a best-of-seven format. However, the Boston Celtics proved they can win psychologically and prevail on the home court of a formidable opponent like the Philadelphia 76ers.

Game 4, played on Sunday, April 26, 2016, US time, at Xfinity Mobile Arena, could decide the outcome of this series. If the Boston Celtics win again, they only need one more win to advance.

Conversely, if the Philadelphia 76ers win and advance to Game 5, the narrative will likely focus again on Joel Embiid’s health and when he will be able to return to action.

Writer/Editor: Bembo