By: Tennie Sumague, EBC Sports International, New York Bureau
LONDON (Eagle News) — For the eighth time this season, the Boston Celtics have managed to come back when facing a double-digit deficit.
This victory came across the pond as they beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-103 in front of 19,078 fans at London’s O2 Arena.
Kyrie Irving had 20 points seven assists and six rebounds as Boston came back from a 22-point deficit midway through the second quarter.
The Celtics held the 76ers without a field goal for the remaining 4:37 minutes and went on a 47-19 run in between the second and third quarters.
The Celtics closed out the second half with nine threes to extend their winning streak to seven games.
The last time the Celtics won in London was 10 years ago, and that team, led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, went to win the NBA Championship title.
“It’s always great to believe in fate,” said Irving. “But for us we have to be dogged in every moment we’re afforded. It’s great for that to happen for that past team but it’s the past. We’re have to be very present. Winning an NBA championship is one of the hardest things you can do in life.”
Jaylen Brown led the way with 21 points and Marcus Morris posted 19 points off the bench as five Celtics scored in double figures and became the first NBA team to win 34 games.
“This team that we just played today is the best defensive team in the NBA and we all felt that,” said 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown. “When you look at their individual defensive players to man, they’re as strong positionally as any team in the NBA.”
Both teams will have a couple of days of rest before their next home games. The 76ers will host the Toronto Raptors on Monday and the Celtics will play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. (Eagle News)