The Boston Celtics went on a 16-6 run in the fourth quarter to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 102-92 in the 76ers’ home opener at Wells Fargo Center.
It was tied at 84 when Al Horford’s jumper put the Celtics ahead for good with 6:45 left. Kyrie Irving scored 7 points as they pulled away to a 100-90 lead with 30 seconds left.
During clutch time, the Celtics outscored the 76ers 8-0. Irving (No. 5 in clutch points, 2017-18) scored 5 of the Celtics’ 8 on 2 for 3 shooting and 1 for 1 at the line. Late in the fourth quarter, Irving had 2 steals in 35 seconds, and the Celtics scored 2 points off them.
Irving scored 21 points. Shane Larkin added 10 points (8 in the fourth quarter) off the bench, and Aron Baynes had 10 points (6 in the paint) and 8 rebounds.
For the 76ers, JJ Redick scored 19 points.
The Celtics shot 41.7% from the field and 34.5% from 3 to the 76ers’ 38.0% and 31.3%. They did not make a field goal in the last 3:26.