Philly Sports News

Philly Sports News continuously updated

76ers Wing Praised as Celtics Killer

by

After an impressive performance, Caleb Martin was praised as a Celtics killer.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin had another amazing game vs the Celtics, scoring a season-high 23 points. He knocked down a career-high seven three-pointers on only nine attempts. Before the game, he made only 18 three-pointers, but against the Celtics, he got his juices going.

76ers Wing Caleb Martin Praised as Celtics Killer

Following the game, Celtics forward Jaylen Brown admitted that the Celtics willingly let Martin beat them. They had a game plan on defense to make him make open shots from three, and he went 7-9. After the game, Brown said,

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Looking at how Caleb Martin has played vs. the Celtics before, you would think they know better. Yet, we have to be fair and say the Sixers have Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey now on the Sixers. Teams playing against them will have to make a decision to double sometimes, and that leaves players like Martin open.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

When the Sixers signed him, they envisioned this exact role. He might not average 20+ points or hit seven three-pointers every game. Yet, he is a good shooter that can knock down open shots when the Sixers are healthy and teams are doubling their stars.

Embiid Says Martin Hates the Celtics

Embiid gave Martin a new nickname, calling him the Boston Killer. Following the game, Joel couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. He talked with admiration for his teammate and also noted they both share a disdain for the Celtics. Embiid said,

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The forward certainly made it look easy last night, going seven of nine from behind the arc. Being the fourth option on offense is a role the team envisioned for Martin, and while he has struggled so far, this game might be a turning point.

Is Caleb Martin a Celtics’ Killer?

Martin was one of the most important players during the Miami Heat’s 2023 Finals run. He erupted against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, scoring 20+ points three times and hitting almost every shot he took. With the latest Caleb Martin vs Celtics performance, it is easy to call him a Celtics killer. Embiid might say that his teammate is the Celtics antidote, but he is far from that. Martin is 1-2 in playoff series against the Celtics.

In the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics won 4-3 to advance to the Finals. In that series, Martin scored 10+ points only once. He also only hit more than one three-pointer once, in the same game, he had 12 points. Last year, Boston and Miami met in the first round of the playoffs, and he had only one great game, the second game of the series in which Miami won. Martin scored four points in Game 1 and five points in Game 5. He missed all four three-point attempts in Game 1, and hit only one in Games 3 and 5. He was good in Game 2 and 4, hitting 5-6 and 4-8 three pointers. Overall, Martin averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 44% shooting from beyond the arc.

Should the Celtics Make the Same Mistake Again?

The Philadelphia 76ers have turned a corner and they are now closing in on the play-in position. If they continue their strong play, the Sixers have a chance for a playoff spot, not a play-in position. Before the season began, the Sixers were considered one of the top contenders in the East. These two teams might very well play each other in the playoffs, and this game should serve as a reminder to the Celtics they cannot leave Martin open.

The post 76ers Wing Praised as Celtics Killer appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.