The Boston Celtics earned a decisive Game 5 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, 101-85, and took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series Monday. The victory can be created to a lot of different players, but it was reserve guard Brandon Bass, who stepped up for the injured Avery Bradley, that was the big difference says the SB Nation's the Celtic Blog:
After an awkward, tentative first half in which Bass looked clueless with the ball, unsure on every touch whether to pass, shoot or merely dribble out the shot clock, he then came to life in the second. He exploded for 18 points in the third quarter alone, and he finished with 27 overall, plus six rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist. He was the very picture of efficiency, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and 9-of-10 from the line. He left the opposing Sixers shaking their heads, quite literally.
Bass' effort helped Boston move one win closer to moving onto the Eastern Conference Finals. They can do that with a victory in Game 6 on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
For more on the Celtics vs. 76ers NBA Playoff series, make sure to check back to this SB Nation Boston StoryStream. Meanwhile, for more commentary and discussion visit the Celtics Blog.