The Philadelphia 76ers delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, defeating the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 on May 2 to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
With the win, Philadelphia became just the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit—cementing this run as one of the most resilient postseason turnarounds in recent memory.
Joel Embiid Dominates in Return to Form
At the center of it all was Joel Embiid, who continued his dominant return from injury with a commanding all-around performance:
- 34 points
- 12 rebounds
- 6 assists
Embiid controlled the pace on both ends, setting the tone early and anchoring Philadelphia’s defense when the game tightened late. He was far from alone.
Tyrese Maxey delivered a playoff masterpiece with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, including a clutch layup with just over a minute remaining that effectively sealed the game. Rookie standout V.J. Edgecombe added 23 points, while veteran Paul George chipped in 13.
Celtics Fall Short Without Jayson Tatum
The Celtics were dealt a major blow before tipoff when Jayson Tatum was ruled out due to left knee stiffness. His absence reshaped Boston’s entire approach—and ultimately, their fate.
Despite the setback, Jaylen Brown stepped up with 33 points and 9 rebounds, while Derrick White added 26 points, including five three-pointers. Neemias Queta contributed a strong 17-point, 12-rebound double-double.
However, Boston’s shooting struggles proved costly. The Celtics went just 13-of-49 from beyond the arc, marking their third consecutive poor shooting performance from deep.
Game Flow: Sixers Control, Celtics Rally Falls Short
Philadelphia controlled the game from the opening tip, jumping out to a 9-0 lead and carrying a 32-19 advantage after the first quarter. They extended that lead to as many as 18 points in the third quarter, maintaining control for all but 31 seconds of the game.
Boston showed resilience in the fourth quarter, opening the period on a 16-4 run to cut the deficit to just one point at 92-91. The Celtics threatened multiple times late, trimming the lead to a single possession on three separate occasions. But each time, the Sixers responded.
Maxey’s late-game heroics, combined with critical free throws and defensive stops, helped Philadelphia close the door in the final minutes.
Historic Context and What’s Next
The victory marked only the second road Game 7 win in franchise history for the 76ers (including their time as the Syracuse Nationals), with the previous one coming in 1982.
For Boston, the loss was historic for the wrong reasons. The Celtics entered the game with a 32-1 record when leading a series 3-1, making this collapse one of the most shocking in franchise history. It also marks their earliest playoff exit since the 2020–21 season.
Now, the No. 7-seeded 76ers shift their focus to the next challenge: a second-round matchup against the New York Knicks. Game 1 is set for Monday night in New York, where Philadelphia will look to continue its improbable playoff run.
