TheSportsCampus

The Philadelphia 76ers forced Game 7 after they tied the Eastern Conference semi-finals 3-3 thanks to a solid team performance on both ends of the court. The game was a low scoring affair with the Sixers dominating much of the proceedings and keeping a steady lead throughout the 2nd half. The home team were outclassed from beyond the arc as well as from the free throw line but they came good in the paint, shooting much better than the visiting Celtics. Jrue Holiday had another solid game in this series conjuring up 20 points and delivering 6 assists to lead his team to a comfortable 82 - 75 victory at the Wells Fargo Centre.

The Sixers had 5 players in double figures while the Celtics had just two. The disparity clearly showed that there was one team that had contributions from all over and that team was Philadelphia. They had their tactics spot on as well, the 76ers, ensuring that Rajon Rondo never had total control on the ball and keeping tight possession on the guard. Paul Pierce, who scored a game high 24 points, failed to see too much of the ball in the final period and even though he was the one pulling off all the plays in the front court, the C's got entangled in their own errorneous offensive play and failed to take advantage of his hot streak.

"We have to do a better job offensively. I thought we had a lot of empty possessions." Celtics coach Doc Rivers. There is little a coach can do when the likes of Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, combine for less than 33% in the game.

Spencer Hawes was an impressive contributor for Philadelphia who shot 4 of 6 in the paint, playing just 20 minutes for the team. It was the kind of night where the Sixers, didn't realise how minimal a line up they possessed for big performances came from each and every player. One doesn't need a star studded line up like that of the C's if they have a team that comes good together consistently.

"When you get out there, you don't feel much. You get that adrenaline flowing." Elton Brand said, after the game and it's a great summary of the team's strategy. They keep it simple, no questions asked.

Boston remain favourites to win the series and all they require is a strong performances from Rajon Rondo and their bench in the Garden. The team has the sharpness and the bite to defeat any team, anywhere but it all depends on who shows up and comes up with the goods at the appropriate moments. The C's will have to give another one of their characteristic solid efforts on defence and use that as a spring board to heap pressure on the offence.

Game 7 heads to Boston and even though the hosts have a 2-1 record at the Garden in this series, the solitary defeat will give the Sixers the confidence that they can pull off a miracle. Their run in the playoffs till now has been nothing short of astonishing and they could easily shock the world by taking Game 7 and entering the Conference finals.

Veteran Andre Igoudala set up Game 7 brilliantly by saying, "We believe we can win. It might be ugly, but if that's what it takes, then we'll do what it takes to get it done."

Final Score

Boston Celtics 75 - 82 Philadelphia 76ers

Only Game on Thursday night

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers (3-2)