76ers erase 3-1 deficit, oust Celtics in Game 7 behind Embiid
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BOSTON, May 2, 2026 — The Philadelphia 76ers stormed into TD Garden on Saturday and closed out a 109-100 Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics, finishing a rally from a 3-1 series deficit and capturing their first playoff series victory over Boston in 44 years.
Joel Embiid powered Philadelphia with 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. According to the NBA, they are the first pair of teammates to each post at least 30-10-5 in a Game 7.
The result rewrites several playoff records. Philadelphia, previously 0-18 when trailing 3-1 in best-of-seven series, became the 14th team in league history to complete such a comeback. Boston had been 32-0 when holding a 3-1 lead; that mark is now 32-1. The victory also ends a run of six consecutive postseason series losses to the Celtics, dating to 1982.
Late scratch sidelines Tatum
Hours before tipoff, Boston ruled out Jayson Tatum with left knee stiffness. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said the All-Star forward is day-to-day. The Celtics started Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, Jaylen Brown, Ron Harper Jr. and Luka Garza — a combination that had never appeared together before Saturday.
Game flow
Philadelphia jumped to an early lead and never trailed after the opening minutes. A 14-3 spurt late in the third quarter, most of it with Embiid resting, stretched the margin to 18. Boston answered at the start of the fourth, trimming the gap to one when Brown’s layup made it 97-96 with 5:02 remaining.
The Celtics then missed nine consecutive shots — five of them potential tying or go-ahead attempts. Maxey responded with eight straight Sixers points in the final two minutes to seal the series.
What’s next
Philadelphia advances to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 1 is scheduled for Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
Source: ESPN.com
