Jayson Tatum rises, as Celtics reclaim control vs. Sixers: ‘I’ve been here before’

The 76ers once held the keys to the 2017 draft. They moved up, took Markelle Fultz at No. 1, and watched Jayson Tatum land with the Celtics at No. 3.

That part still stings.

Fast forward, and here comes Tatum again. Fourth quarter. Tight game. Season hanging in the balance. Same script, different night. He scores 11 of his 25 in the final frame, buries a dagger over Adem Bona, and calmly tells the broadcast, “I’ve been here before.”

You don’t say.

Boston grabbed a 108-100 road win Friday and a 2-1 series lead, and it felt familiar. Not just because of Tatum’s history against Philly, but because of how it unfolded. When things got dicey, the Celtics had answers. The Sixers had hope.

Jaylen Brown sparked it first, ripping off eight straight points and turning a one-possession game into breathing room. Tatum then took the wheel, scoring or assisting on Boston’s next 10 points. Ballgame.

This is happening with Joel Embiid sidelined for all three games after an appendectomy earlier this month. That reality only adds to the frustration in Philadelphia.

Tyrese Maxey tried to keep Philly alive with 31 points. Boston made the math work. Stay home on shooters, live with tough looks, and let Maxey operate in isolation. It nearly worked for Philly.

It still wasn’t enough.

Tatum rises. The Celtics hit threes. The Sixers are left wondering what might’ve been.