The Philadelphia 76ers won the decisive Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, becoming the second team to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. With this victory, the franchise put an end to its decades-long Celtics curse.
Once again, the standout performer was star center Joel Embiid, who—just one month after his appendectomy—led all players with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Together with co-star Tyrese Maxey and the two wing players VJ Edgecombe (23) and Paul George (13), Embiid accounted for exactly 100 of the 76ers’ total 109 points.
In the minutes leading up to tip-off, the Boston Celtics had dominated the headlines. On one hand, the absence of star player Jayson Tatum weighed heavily. The forward, who had only returned from a torn Achilles tendon a few weeks ago, had suffered a calf strain. Coach Joe Mazzulla also caused a stir by giving Ron Harper Jr., Luka Garza, and Baylor Scheierman their playoff starting debuts following the two losses in Games 5 and 6.
Celtics fight back to even the score in the final quarter
However, that strategy only worked to a limited extent. Boston fell behind early, 15-30, but continued to play at their usual fast pace, apparently attempting to wear down Joel Embiid.
After the 76ers had led the game for nearly the entire contest—at one point by as many as 18 points—the visitors did indeed seem to run out of steam in the final quarter. A difficult mid-range shot plus a foul by Jaylen Brown cut the lead to just one point (92-91) with eight minutes remaining.
In crunch time, the game hung in the balance, with the Celtics also having several chances to take the lead themselves. However, the home team went nearly five minutes without a successful field goal. Tyrese Maxey did better on the other end. The speedy guard scored a total of eight points in succession in the final two minutes, sealing the victory.
First 76ers win against Boston since 1982
For the Philadelphia 76ers, this series win feels like a breakthrough in more ways than one. Not only did the team pull off its first comeback from a 1-3 deficit in the playoffs since the Nuggets in 2020, but Philly also put an end to its Celtics trauma. After six consecutive playoff losses, the Sixers have now secured their first series win against the Celtics since 1982. Furthermore, it was the first time in Sixers history that they’ve come back from a 1-3 deficit (previously 0-18).
However, Embiid and Co. don’t have much time to catch their breath. In just two days, they’ll play the opening game of the second round against the New York Knicks (late Monday night/early Tuesday morning, 2 a.m.).
For the Boston Celtics, the season is thus over prematurely. It’s their earliest elimination since the 1-4 loss to the Brooklyn Nets in 2021.