NBA Game Notes (Feb. 25, 2023)

Here are the NBA game notes for games that were played on February 25, 2023.

Tatum’s Three Sinks Sixers

Jayson Tatum hit a 3-pointer with 2.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to lift the Boston Celtics over the Philadelphia 76ers 110-107. The Sixers’ Joel Embiid nearly tied the game with a desperate 70-foot heave, but the shot was not released before time expired.

Jalyen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, while Tatum chipped in with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Tatum has struggled from the field in his last two games, shooting 7-17 (41.2%) last night and 9-25 (36.0%) on Thursday night.

Embiid was spectacular in the loss, producing 41 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. It’s the 14th time Embiid has recorded at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a game, breaking a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for the most such games in franchise history.

Embiid shot 12-21 from the field and made 17 of his 18 free throws. It’s the 10th time Embiid has scored at least 40 points while shooting 50% from the field and 90% from the free throw line. The only other centers in NBA history to record at least 10 such games are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12), Bob McAdoo (11), and Patrick Ewing (10).

Teammate James Harden compiled 21 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Harden shot just 5-16 from the field, but did make all nine of his free throws.

Harden recorded his 1,500th career steal roughly midway through the first quarter. He’s the first player in NBA history to reach career totals of 2,500 3-pointers made, 1,500 steals, and 500 blocks.