The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-102, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal-round series. The Celtics lead the series, 2-1.

The Celtics (2-1) undoubtedly came into Friday night's road clash expecting to see a 76ers (1-2) squad out for atonement after an embarrassing Game 2 loss, but after exiting the first quarter with a one-point deficit, Boston managed to take a seven-point lead into halftime. The visitors then managed to avoid any type of third-quarter resurgence on Philadelphia's part by forging a 31-27 advantage during the period, and the defending Eastern Conference champs subsequently finished on a 14-6 run over the final 3:25 to seal the victory.

Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 27 points, adding 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Jaylen Brown supplied 23 points, seven boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Al Horford registered 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon generated matching 15-point tallies, with Smart also contributing four assists and three steals and Brogdon recording six dimes and three rebounds. Derrick White provided 13 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 30-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists, four blocks and one steal. James Harden generated a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one steal. De'Anthony Melton totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist, four steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey furnished 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Georges Niang poured in 10 points.

The two teams reconvene for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.