76ers Rally Past Celtics in Game 7, Erase 3-1 Deficit for Historic Win

Key facts

• Joel Embiid scored 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in his return from an emergency appendectomy.
• Tyrese Maxey added 30 points and 11 rebounds, scoring eight consecutive points in the final minute to seal the win.
• Philadelphia overcame a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in franchise history, the 14th such comeback in NBA history.
• The 76ers won the final three games after losing Games 1, 3, and 4.
• Boston's Jayson Tatum missed Game 7 due to left knee stiffness; he averaged 23.3 points in the playoffs.
• Jaylen Brown led Boston with 33 points and nine rebounds; Derrick White added 26 points.
• The Celtics shot 26.5% from three-point range (13 of 49) and 39.8% from the field.
• Philadelphia's bench contributed only three points, all by Quentin Grimes.

Philadelphia Completes Historic Comeback

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, becoming the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. The victory marks the first time in franchise history that Philadelphia has rallied from such a deficit, advancing to face the third-seeded New York Knicks in the second round. Joel Embiid, returning from an emergency appendectomy that sidelined him since April 6, led the 76ers with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Tyrese Maxey contributed 30 points and 11 rebounds, scoring eight consecutive points in the final minute to turn a 99-98 deficit into a 107-98 lead with 15 seconds remaining.

Embiid's Return Transforms the Series

Embiid missed the first four games of the series after undergoing an emergency appendectomy during a team trip through Texas. He returned for Game 5, and the 76ers won the final three games. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the impact: "What changed in the series is Joel Embiid came back, and they're a completely different team." Embiid's presence altered the Celtics' defensive strategy and provided Philadelphia with a dominant interior scorer. In Game 7, he shot efficiently from the field and drew fouls, helping the 76ers overcome a slow start from their bench, which totaled just three points – all by Quentin Grimes.

Maxey's Clutch Performance Seals the Win

With the game tied at 98-98 after Neemias Queta's free throws, Maxey took control. He scored the next eight points, including a driving layup and a step-back three-pointer, to put Philadelphia up 107-98. The outburst silenced the Boston crowd and left the Celtics unable to respond. Maxey's 30-point, 11-rebound effort highlighted his growth as a playoff performer. Rookie VJ Edgecombe added 23 points, and Paul George chipped in 13. The 76ers' starting lineup carried the load, with the bench contributing only three points.

Celtics Struggle Without Tatum, Shoot Poorly from Deep

Boston played without Jayson Tatum, who was ruled out due to stiffness in his left knee. Tatum had left Game 6 with 4:03 remaining in the third quarter because of a left leg injury. He averaged 23.3 points and 10.7 rebounds in six playoff games this season, returning on March 6 from a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered last May. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points and nine rebounds, while Derrick White added 26 points. Neemias Queta posted 17 points and a team-high 12 rebounds off the bench. However, Boston's shooting woes proved costly: the team made just 13 of 49 three-point attempts (26.5%) and 37 of 93 field goals (39.8%). Starters Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, and Ron Harper Jr. failed to score.

76ers Embrace Hostile Environment, Look Ahead to Knicks

Coach Nick Nurse praised his team's composure in a hostile road environment. "We handled playing [in a hostile environment] just enough, but I think it was really good for us to experience it," he said after the game. The 76ers, seeded seventh, will now travel to New York for Game 1 of the second-round series on Monday. Philadelphia's resilience in overcoming a 3-1 deficit and winning Game 7 on the road demonstrates the team's growth under Nurse. With Embiid healthy and Maxey emerging as a star, the 76ers pose a serious threat to the Knicks.

Historical Context and Stakes for Boston

The Celtics' collapse marks a bitter end to a season that began with championship aspirations. Boston finished with the second-best record in the East but now faces an offseason of questions about health and roster construction. Tatum's recurring knee issues and the team's reliance on three-point shooting were exposed in the series. For Philadelphia, the comeback joins the annals of NBA history. Only 13 previous teams had erased a 3-1 deficit, and the 76ers became the first to do so in franchise history. The win also avenges last season's second-round exit, where the Celtics eliminated Philadelphia in seven games.

Outlook: A New Challenge Awaits in New York

The 76ers will face the New York Knicks in the second round, starting Monday. The Knicks, who swept the Miami Heat in the first round, have had extra rest and home-court advantage. Philadelphia will need continued strong performances from Embiid and Maxey, as well as contributions from role players, to advance further. Boston, meanwhile, must regroup. The team's shooting struggles and Tatum's health will be focal points in the offseason. Mazzulla's comment that "We're always going to play to the strength of our team" suggests the Celtics will stick with their three-point-heavy approach, but adjustments may be necessary to avoid similar playoff disappointments.

The bottom line

• Joel Embiid's return from emergency appendectomy transformed the series, leading Philadelphia to three straight wins.
• Tyrese Maxey's eight-point burst in the final minute secured the 109-100 victory and a historic series comeback.
• Philadelphia overcame a 3-1 deficit for the first time in franchise history, joining 13 other NBA teams.
• Boston's Jayson Tatum missed Game 7 due to knee stiffness, and the Celtics shot poorly from three-point range (26.5%).
• The 76ers advance to face the New York Knicks in the second round, starting Monday on the road.
• Philadelphia's bench contributed only three points, highlighting the starters' heavy workload.