The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers open the NBA season on Wednesday (all times AEDT) in a thrilling showdown between two bona fide title contenders.
The division rivals are the two favourites to come out of the East and will be led by superstars all over the court.
Boston is coming off a tumultuous off-season that saw coach Ime Uodaka stood down for the entire upcoming campaign due to an inappropriate relationship with a team staffer as the team looks to go one better from its NBA finals appearance under the lead of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
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Philly meanwhile gets a full season from its new superstar duo Joel Embiid and James Harden, with the former also on a quest to claim a maiden MVP after Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic claimed honours in the last two seasons.
MATCH REPORT
A contentious flagrant foul called against Al Horford on a three-point shot from Harden in the opening term was met with some backlash – which marked Horford’s second foul as he was subbed out.
Harden went on to have a monster first quarter, racking up 16 points on 8-of-8 free throws as the Celtics continued to bite on his pump fake.
“This is undisciplined defence costing Boston right now,” ESPN commentator Stan Van Gundy said.
Harden’s elite play helped the Sixers get out to a 29-24 lead at the end of the first term.
Philly charged ahead early in the second term, extending its lead to double digits behind the lead of Harden and Tobias Harris.
But Boston got a huge response out of Tatum and Brown late in the period including going on a 9-0 run at one stage to come storming back into the contest and take the lead.
A fadeaway Harden three then assist to a Montrezl Harrell dunk steadied the ship for the visitors and the scores were all tied up at half-time 63-63.
Harden led the way with 22 points and four triples, while Brown (18 points) and Tatum (16 points) were Boston’s best.
