Sixers struggle to close out Celtics; Yabusele gets an extra boost

Sixers fall to Celtics in second straight loss

The 76ers need to do a better job of closing out games.

Guerschon Yabusele has a lot of respect for the Boston Celtics, his former team, and Celtics fans were fighting amongst themselves at the Wells Fargo Center.

Those three things stood out in Sunday’s 118-110 loss to Boston.

Moment too big

All signs pointed toward the Sixers (19-29) posting their second victory over the defending NBA champion Celtics (35-15) in as many meetings. That’s until Boston ended the third quarter on a 16-4 run to pull within 14 points. Not finished, the Celtics opened the fourth quarter on a 21-6 run to take a 101-100 lead.

All the while, the Sixers played like the moment was too big for them. Guys were passing up shots they normally take and missing shots they usually make.

The Sixers were outscored, 52-20, over the final 14 minutes, 42 seconds.

'Give them props'

Yabusele was asked if it was extra motivating to play against the Celtics, who waived him in 2019.

“I cannot hide it,” he said. “Of course, 100%. I’m trying to win this game. I’m trying to go over and, you know, respectfully, hit them and try to get the game.”

He finished with 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting — including 2 of 4 three-pointers — to go with six rebounds and a steal.

“But I got so much respect for those guys,” he added. “I’ve been with them for 2½ [seasons], watching them grow and being the guys they are today. It’s been amazing, and I’m happy to see them shine.

“So at the end of the game, I make sure I give them props.”

Another note ...

It wasn’t a good night for all Boston fans. In the fourth quarter a pair of Celtics fans got into a heated exchange in one of the lower-bowl sections behind the basket near the visiting team’s bench. After a while, punches were thrown and the fans were ejected. This wasn’t a good look for the Celtics faithful.