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‘Hindsight’s always 20/20’: Joe Mazzulla doesn’t regret how Celtics guarded James Harden in Game 1 loss

James Harden was virtually unstoppable in Game 1.

The 76ers’ star guard shot 17-of-30 from the field and 7-of-14 from deep to score 45 points, matching a playoff career-high to upset the Celtics to take Game 1 of the second round NBA playoff series.

The final three of those 45 points that Harden scored came in the game’s closing seconds. With the Celtics holding a 115-114 lead, Harden called for a screen to get Marcus Smart off him. The Celtics obliged, which they usually do as they switch on almost all screens.

That left Al Horford on Harden.