Yet, in a stunning turn of events, the Celtics mounted a remarkable 26-point comeback to secure a 112-107 win. The catalyst for the turnaround? Head coach Joe Mazzulla's candid halftime message to his team.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Chicago Bulls, head coach Joe Mazzulla said he welcomes opponents blitzing Tatum. For Mazzulla, spacing is key when Tatum is being blitzed, and opens up opportunity for mismatches to be found and taken advantage of.

Tatum and Jaylen Brown played the entire second half as Boston fought back against a feisty Philadelphia squad that shot 46.9 percent from 3-point range without three usual starters including Joel Embiid and Paul George. Ultimately, Boston’s hot shooting and improved defensive intensity turned the game around after Mazzulla’s halftime speech.