Celtics down Sixers in Game 3 as James Harden's epic struggles continue

After tallying 45 points on 56.7 percent shooting in Philly's Game 1 victory without star Joel Embiid, Harden has gone cold in Games 2 and 3. 

Since opening the series against the Celtics with a bang, Harden has shot only 5-of-28 from the floor and 2-of-13 from three over the last two games, both Sixers losses. According to ESPN Stats and Info, this is the worst two-game stretch of Harden's career in contests where he attempted at least 20 field goals. 

Harden wasn't alone in his struggles, however. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris combined to shoot 31.8 percent from the field for 20 points in Game 2. Meanwhile, the newly crowned league MVP, Embiid, looked much more spry in his second game returning from a sprained knee, dropping 30 points with 13 boards and three assists. 

Ultimately, Harden and company's lackluster shooting, paired with big games from Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, did the Sixers in. 

Tatum finished with a team-high 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Brown added 23, seven and five in the Celtics' victory. 

Along with Tatum and Brown, four other Celtics finished in double figures, including Al Horford (17), Marcus Smart (15), Malcolm Brogdon (15) and Derrick White (13). 

Boston now takes a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series. The Celtics will take on the Sixers for Game 4 Sunday in Philly at 3:30 p.m. ET.