Predictably, this matchup had been an ugly one. Despite 17 turnovers, the Philadelphia 76ers held a four-point lead on the Boston Celtics with 1:37 remaining in the fourth quarter. And yet — as always — the Celtics were unfazed. They came storming back to pull off an improbable yet expected comeback victory.
The date was May 9, 2018.
One offseason and one blockbuster trade later, the story is the same.
Something’s got to give. The Philadelphia 76ers’ yips against good teams when the game gets close make Markelle Fultz look like a model of mental resilience.