BOSTON. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of the NBA playoffs to complete a historic comeback after trailing 3-1 in the series. Led by an outstanding Joel Embiid, who recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, the Sixers secured their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they will face the New York Knicks.
The Philadelphia 76ers' victory in Boston marks just the fourteenth 3-1 comeback in NBA playoff history, while the Boston Celtics suffered their earliest elimination since the 2020-21 season.
The game started uphill for the home team from the opening tip. The absence of Jayson Tatum, ruled out minutes before the game due to left knee soreness, forced head coach Joe Mazzulla to completely overhaul his starting lineup. Boston went with a lineup never used this season, and Philadelphia quickly capitalized on their opponent's lack of rhythm.
The 76ers opened with a dominant 9-0 run and controlled the first quarter with authority. Embiid imposed his physicality in the paint, while Tyrese Maxey punished Boston in transition and off the dribble. Philadelphia built leads as large as 15 points before closing the first quarter with a solid 32-19.
The Boston Celtics attempted to respond in the second quarter by changing their offensive approach. After struggling from three-point range throughout the series, the home team looked to attack closer to the basket. The insertion of Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and young Hugo González provided defensive energy and aggression. A three-pointer from Pritchard capped an 18-4 run that gave Boston its first lead of the game (37-36).
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However, the Philadelphia 76ers responded with maturity in the final stretch before halftime. Embiid regained control of the game's tempo and Maxey took on offensive responsibility to restore the visitors' lead, heading into the break up 55-50.
After the break came the Sixers' big blow. Philadelphia elevated their defensive intensity and punished every Boston turnover. Embiid dominated both ends of the floor, while Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe exploited the space to extend the lead. The visiting team reached an 18-point advantage in the third quarter, leaving the Celtics reeling and unable to find consistency from three-point range.
Jaylen Brown kept Boston afloat with 33 points and 9 rebounds, while Derrick White added 26 points with five three-pointers. Neemias Queta posted a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, but the Celtics again struggled from beyond the arc, finishing the night a poor 13 of 49 from three.
Still, TD Garden believed in a comeback at the start of the fourth quarter. Boston opened the period with a 16-4 run and got within one point (92-91), increasing the tension in a Game 7 filled with drama.
But when the home team was pressing hardest, Tyrese Maxey appeared once again. The point guard made a crucial layup with 1:15 remaining to put the score at 103-98 and restore emotional control to Philadelphia. Boston missed its next four shots and the Sixers sealed the victory from the free-throw line.
Beyond Embiid's 34 points, Philadelphia found enormous production from Maxey, who finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. V.J. Edgecombe contributed 23 points and Paul George added 13 in a balanced performance that allowed the Sixers to withstand the pressure in Boston.
The victory sends the Philadelphia 76ers to the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs, where they will begin their series against the New York Knicks next Monday. The Boston Celtics, the second seed in the East, end their season after squandering a 3-1 series lead.