2012 NBA Playoffs

Boston, MA

The Philadelphia 76ers sank six crucial free throws in the last 12 seconds to beat the Boston Celtics, 82-81 and tie their Eastern Conference semifinal series at one-game apiece.

Evan Turner, Lou Williams and Jodi Meeks showed nerves of steels as they buried two free throws each to keep Boston's attack at bay and seal the victory for the 76ers, who won their first playoff game in Boston since 1982.

Game 3 moves to Philadelphia Wednesday.

Philadelphia was led by Jrue Holiday with 18 points and Andre Igoudala's 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Spencer Hawes finished with eight points and 10 rebounds and Lavoy Allen scored 10 points for the 76ers.

Turner, who finished with 10 points, also scored a lay-up that gave Philadelphia the lead for good, 76-75, with 40 seconds left in the game.

"Evan Turner made a miraculous shot," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers told nba.com, referring to the layup that made the difference.

Limited to just 11 points in the third quarter, Boston made a game out of it by scoring 32 points in the fourth quarter but was simply outplayed by the younger 76ers down the stretch.

Celtics was paced by Ray Allen with 17 points while Garnett, who scored 29 points in Game 1, was limited to just 15 points. Paul Pierce struggled all game long and finished with just seven points while Rondo had eight points, seven rebounds and 13 assists.

The 76ers led 57-49 after three quarters but Boston managed to grab the upperhand after Allen's three-pointer, 75-74. The Celtics closed within 80-78 before Meeks iced the victory with two foul shots.

Sixers fix mistakes in Game 2 and finish off the Celtics

 

 

Sixers Edge Celtics to Knot Series at 1-1