About this episode

The episode discusses the Boston Celtics' challenges and strategies to improve their performance in Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Boston Celtics' old habits threaten their playoff edge as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum slip into hero-ball mode—can they shift gears in time to regain momentum against the Philadelphia 76ers? John Karalis of Celtics On SI and Tom Westerholm dissect the Game 2 letdown, spotlighting the dangers of stagnant offense, questionable drop coverage, and missed opportunities by players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. The duo debate Joe Mazzulla’s bench decisions, missed chances to inject energy with rotation tweaks, and what it will take for the Celtics to reset their mentality. Discussion includes critical analysis of late-game decision-making, the importance of exploiting Tatum and Brown’s gravity, and keys to outmatching Tyrese Maxey and the surging Sixers. Is it panic time for Boston, or just a minor speed bump on their championship path?

People in this episode

Host: John Karalis

Guest: Tom Westerholm

Topics covered

• Boston Celtics
• playoff analysis
• game strategy
• offensive performance
• coaching decisions
• player performance
• NBA playoffs

Keywords

• Celtics
• playoffs
• hero-ball
• offense
• coaching
• Tatum
• Brown
• Maxey
• Mazzulla
• NBA

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Celtics On SI

More episodes of Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics

• Joel Embiid Gives Sixers NO CHANCE To Win | Neemias Queta Concerns · April 28, 2026 · 36 min
• Boston Celtics DOMINATE as Payton Pritchard Shines, Joel Embiid HURTS Sixers in Return · April 27, 2026 · 31 min
• CLUTCH: Boston Celtics Survive Chaotic Night as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown DELIVER in Philly · April 25, 2026 · 31 min
• THREE Boston Celtics Adjustments for Game 3 | Interviews: Hauser, Pritchard, White · April 24, 2026 · 23 min
• SECRET SAUCE: Boston Celtics Team Building EXPLAINED—Why Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum Thrive · April 24, 2026 · 34 min
• BONUS Mailbag: Celtics-Sixers Adjustments, Worries, and Picking a Young Player to Keep · April 23, 2026 · 25 min

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