Jayson Tatum even more dominant in Game 2 onslaught on 76ers

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics took Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers in dominant fashion.

It turns out that Joel Embiid’s production is not a bellwether for this series. Despite an awesome statline from the big fella in Game 2, the Boston Celtics played their game and clicked on all cylinders.

The result was a collective victory over Goliath, as Boston now leads this first-round playoff series 2-0. The Philadelphia 76ers came out fighting, leading by as many as 14 points in the first quarter, but Boston steamrolled them the rest of the way, finishing the last 38 minutes with a 110-70 onslaught.

What else did you miss in Game 2 between the Celtics and 76ers?

MVP: Jayson Tatum

The Sixers really miss Ben Simmons. Without him, their best answer to defend Tatum has been rookie Matisse Thybulle, who can only hope to contain the third-year wing out of Duke.

Tatum torched the Sixers for the second straight game, going for a playoff career-high 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting, including 8-of-12 on 3-pointers. He got whatever shot he wanted, on whoever he wanted, from wherever he wanted.

He’s a mismatch for most teams, but especially a team that is full of one- or two-position defenders like the Sixers. Unless Simmons magically re-appears or Thybulle gets an NBA 2K power-up, Tatum will make quick work of Philly.

LVP: Tobias Harris

The Sixers and Harris are just one year into their five-year pact, but it feels like it should be over already. The $189 million man looked dirt poor on Wednesday night, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting.

His slow and methodical style was neutralized in Game 2, as Boston’s army of long wings made him look closer to 48 years old than 28. Even when he had a mismatch, he was unable to take advantage due to delayed decision-making.

Meanwhile, it seemed like every other Celtic had a mismatch on Harris. Outside of some solid post defense, he was far too slow defensively. His role in Philly’s defensive scheme isn’t ideal, but he’s barbecue chicken regardless against Boston’s attack.

Meme-able moment: Sixers sadness

It’s either this:

Or this:

And either way, it’s bad.

Strategic advantage: Letting Joel Embiid get his

Boston’s defense changed in Game 2. Instead of trying to make Embiid’s life miserable, they made everyone else’s shots tough to get off, banking on the 7-footer being unable to carry the load all night.

They were right. Despite Embiid’s 32 points and 10 rebounds, none of his teammates could reap the benefits because they were swallowed by Boston’s elite defense. Josh Richardson carved out 18 points and Shake Milton poured in an efficient 14, but everyone else was nullified.

The Celtics bet on Embiid’s post-up game having diminishing returns — a wise choice considering the efficacy of those plays in general. He was excellent early, but as the game wore on, his numbers outpaced his actual impact.

These two teams will rendezvous for Game 3 on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. ET.