Horford: Without Embiid, The Celtics Couldn't Defend

The Boston Celtics blew a chance to seize control of their Eastern Conference semifinals showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers,

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falling 119-115 in the first game on Monday's night in Boston regardless of MVP contender Joel Embiid's damaged right knee.

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The Celtics scored 58.7% from the floor and were led by Jayson Tatum's 39 points,

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but Boston was unable to replicate the same effort on defense, enabling Philadelphia to shoot 50.6%.

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The Sixers were also led by James Harden, who scored 45 points and nailed the game-winning 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left.

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"I felt that we began off well on offense, but I don't believe there was a sense of urgency regarding the defensive end," said Celtics center Al Horford after the game.

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