BOSTON - Comfort is key in the sport of basketball, especially in the playoffs. If a team can't find a comfort zone, it likely won't stick around very long. After Monday's 82-81 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jrue Holiday shared that he and the Sixers are rather comfortable with their second-round matchup.
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"We like playing against Boston," said Holiday, who led all scorers with 18 points in Game 2. "We think we match up well against them, and even though they had a smart play at the end of Game 1, we still had a chance in that game so that's definitely a confidence booster."
Holiday makes a good point. Philly was a mere two points away from owning a 2-0 series lead heading back to Wells Fargo Center -- the site of Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Friday, respectively -- after falling 92-91 in Game 1. It will be a boost to be back home for Philly, but Sixers coach Doug Collins acknowledged his team's success on the road.
"I think we play some of our best basketball on the road," said Collins. "We've played 11 of our last 13 games on the road. Our guys are very comfortable with that. We had to win on the road to get into the playoffs. We had to win to get in. I think we have a comfort level. "
Some of that is due to the Celtics' shortcomings, as they helped Philly gain confidence.
"I think we lifted their confidence last game. I really do," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said. "I mean, we played a home game in Game 1 where we stole the game. And, so, if you're the other team you have to have a little confidence coming in."
Game 3 between the Celtics and 76ers will tip off at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday (TNT).
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