Boston Celtics
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half and played in only his 17th game this season after surgery last May to repair the Achilles tendon.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum goes into a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half. AP Photo/Robert F. Bucati
BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first playoff game since tearing his right Achilles tendon last season, and Boston The Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round on Sunday.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Koita added 13 points for the second-seeded Celtics.
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half and played in only his 17th game this season after surgery last May to repair the Achilles tendon.
Boston never trailed, taking a 35-point lead as coach Joe Mazzola gave minutes to 12 players. The Celtics hit 16 three-pointers.
The second game will be played Tuesday night in Boston.
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP continues to recover after having his appendix removed on April 9. It is not clear when he will be able to return.
Paul George scored 17 points and VJ Edgecombe added 13 points. Philadelphia was 4 of 23 from 3-point range.
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