Sixers 102, Celtics 100

 

With 2.7 seconds left in the third quarter, Derrick White hit a 27-foot three-pointer from the left wing and gave the Celtics a nine-point, 77-68 lead. Oh, that the game could have ended right then and there! But the Sixers came back and finished the third with a three of their own, and clawed their way back to a one-point lead late in the fourth. The lead switched back and forth several times in the closing minutes and as time expired, White missed a desperation three-point shot from near midcourt and Queta couldn't tip it in for a chance at OT as the clock ran out. Sixers win, 102-100.

Three of the Celtics seven losses so far this season have been by one or two points.

Mr. Brown led both teams with 24 points and Mr. White had 18. Neemias Queta, who almost put the game into OT with his last-microsecond tip in, had 10 rebounds but his eight points kept him from getting a double double. For once, the Celtics weren't out-rebounded (53 to the Sixers' 44), so that's improving. The teams were fairly even on threes, with Boston hitting 13 of 38 and Philly, 14 of 36.

But a loss is a loss is loss, and the Celtics fall to 5-7, fourth of five in the Atlantic. Their loss also breaks a SDW winning streak going back to the Georgia Bulldogs win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

The Celtics head to Memphis next for a game tonight against the Grizzlies (4-8).