PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers were able to knock off the Boston Celtics 102-100 on Tuesday to improve to 7-4 on the season. The Sixers received great efforts from up and down the roster, but a big lift has come from veteran Andre Drummond in the midst of Joel Embiid being in and out of the lineup.
Drummond, a 2-time All-Star, has been terrific as of late as he had 17 and 12 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday and then contributed 14 and 13 boards in the win over the Celtics on Tuesday. The Sixers will continue to look to him with Embiid currently listed as day-to-day with his right knee issue.
While the Sixers will rely on Tyrese Maxey and others to lead them on the floor, it’s absolutely paramount that Drummond contributes and they know it.
“He’s been great,” Maxey said of Drummond. “He’s been amazing, man. The stuff that he’s done has been really good. He’s rebounded the ball well. He’s shot the ball well. He’s done a good job, man. He’s protecting the paint. We’re glad to have him.”
Drummond also made a huge play late in the win over the Celtics. After Kelly Oubre Jr. gave them the 102-100 lead with 8.7 seconds left, Drummond switched out onto Celtics guard Derrick White and knocked the ball away to force a bobble and then a wild attempt at the buzzer. It was an impressive play by the big man.
“It was huge,” added coach Nick Nurse. “Those are just, making plays. Drum’s got some quick hands every now and then, but obviously, it was a saving play for that possession. For sure.”
All in all, the Sixers received 22 points from Justin Edwards and 21 from Maxey on the night, but it was Drummond who constantly came up with some big plays against the Celtics.
“Big time,” Maxey finished on Drummond. “He did really good job. That’s what he does. He gets deflections, he’s disruptive, and we appreciate him for that.”
The Sixers now have two days off before a rematch with the Detroit Pistons on Friday in the NBA Cup.