The Boston Celtics have made a statement, as they have swept the Philadelphia 76ers in their first round series. This is the first time in the history of the rivalry that either team has pulled off a sweep.
Boston will face the Toronto Raptors in the next round, as they also swept the Brooklyn Nets.
The 76ers entered the playoffs without Ben Simmons, who underwent season-ending surgery on his left knee following an injury during the seeding games.
Everyone kind of saw this coming, and despite Gordon Hayward's injury in game 1 of the series, Boston still managed to win in four solid games.
Things are going to change at Philadelphia, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Coach Brett Brown “is without internal momentum to return for his eighth season...and a final decision could come soon.”
Boston beats Philadelphia in Game 4 to sweep the first-round series, and changes are coming for the Sixers. Brett Brown is without internal momentum to return for his eighth season as coach, and a final decision could come soon, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 23, 2020
Despite building around Simmons , the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 and Joel Embiid, the No. 3 pick in 2014, the Sixers haven’t been able to get past the conference semifinals.
Philadelphia has not claimed a series against Boston in the playoffs since 1982.
Full Series Schedule:
Game 1 – Thursday, August 27 / Game 2 – Saturday, August 29 / Game 3 – Monday, August 31 / Game 4 – Wednesday, September 2 / Game 5 – Friday, September 4 / Game 6 – Sunday, September 6 / Game 7 – Tuesday, September 8