The Sixers and Celtics played Game 2 on their first round Eastern Conference series Wednesday night. 76ers’ Head Coach Brett Brown made a change to the starting lineup, substituting Matisse Thybulle for Al Horford. The Boston Celtics had to make a change of their own with Gordan Hayward injuring his ankle severely in Game 1. Marcus Smart replaced Hayward in the lineup.

The Sixers dominated the early part of the first quarter. Embiid got all his touches and the team played through him. The Sixers lead 21-9 and as much as 14 in the early half of the first. Richardson and Milton both were hitting 3-pointers early, but Jason Tatum got hot. Tatum led his team back into the game and ended the first quarter with an almost half court 3-pointer with Thybulle all over him. Sixers led 33-27 after one with Embiid leading the way with 15 points and Tatum led Boston with 11 points.

The second quarter began with a 16-3 Boston run to go up 43-36 and they never looked back. Boston led the way and the entire quarter and in the second half. The Sixers did a good job of getting Embiid the ball but the rest of the team (except J-Rich) didn’t show up. There isn’t much more to say from a recap perspective besides the fact Jason Tatum was able to do whatever he wanted, no matter who was matched up against him. The Celtics rout the Sixers 128-101 behind Tatum (33 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts), Kemba Walker (22 pts) and Jaylen Brown (20 pts). The home team was led by Joel Embiid (34 pts, 10 rebs) and Josh Richardson (18 pts).

Quick Observation from the game:

• Brett Brown’s defensive game plan was horrendous. The pick and roll defensive strategy killed them time and time again. Kemba Walker and Jason Tatum continually got wide open shots and Brett Brown NEVER made an adjustment.
• Brett Brown played Raul Neto tonight, why? He got in the game and immediately was a -6 plus/minus. Why not go with Alec Burks and the hot hand?
• PAGING TOBIAS HARRIS!!! PAGING MR. TOBIAS HARRIS!! I can’t make any more excuses for him right now. The most consistent Sixer in the season and seeding games has disappeared completely. He was 4-15 and 0-2 from 3-point range. The team needs more from him if they are going to have any chance. The contract he signed always gets mentioned when he plays bad, but if you are getting paid 180 million, YOU HAVE TO SHOW UP!
• Every time Jason Tatum goes off, you can’t help but feel like a knife is in your back and is getting twisted and turned. Danny Ainge really fleeced former GM Jerry Colangelo out of drafting Tatum.
• Boston hit 19 3-pointers tonight and midway through the outside onslaught, Brett went to a 2-3 zone. We all know that the 2-3 zone encourages and leave the wings open to take those shots. Why would that be an adjustment you make?
• Seems like the team quit in the third quarter. Brett Brown is losing this team by the day. I think he’s absolutely fired.
• Elton Brand, don’t think we forgot about you! You are on the clock too buddy! You built this team in the off season and will have to live with their outcome and your outcome.

The Sixers and Celtics play Game 3 Friday night at 6:30 on TNT. Watching Game 3 may be painful but I’m hoping for the best.