After stunningly losing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Philadelphia 76ers, even when the 76ers were without Joel Embiid, the Boston Celtics rebounded by winning Game 2 in blowout fashion.
It seemingly sent a message to the Sixers that if they are to win this series, it will not be the least bit easy.
The series now shifts to Pennsylvania for the next two contests, and analyst Keith Smith pointed out that the injury report shows no injury concerns for Boston.
Only forward Danilo Gallinari, who has been out all season, is showing up on the injury report.
Only Danilo Gallinari on the Celtics injury report for Game 3.
Marcus Smart is off the report after being questionable for Game 2.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 4, 2023
The first half of Game 2 was relatively competitive, but the Celtics broke things open with a dominant third quarter in which they outscored Philly, 35-16.
Embiid returned for that contest, but he managed just 15 points and attempted only nine shots in 27 minutes.
Meanwhile, James Harden, who was outstanding in Game 1 with 45 points and the game-winning 3-pointer, missed all but two of his 14 shot attempts.
The Celtics were able to score a 121-87 victory that tied the series even though Jayson Tatum went 1-of-7 and played just 19 minutes.
Malcolm Brogdon was hot off the bench, going for 23 points and hitting six 3-pointers to help make up for Tatum having no impact.
With the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks home for the summer, the Celtics seem to have a relatively easy path to their second NBA Finals appearance in as many years.
But getting past the Sixers won’t be easy, no matter how many people are picking them to do exactly that in the coming days.
NEXT: Celtics Player Shows Off His Branded Cereal After Game 2 Win