BOSTON — After 44 years of frustration, the Philadelphia 76ers have finally defeated the Boston Celtics in a playoff series.
Led by a dominant playoff performance from Joel Embiid, the 76ers secured a thrilling 109-100 victory in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Philadelphia joined an elite group as just the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-7 series.
“It feels good to win,” Embiid said afterward. “We’ve got bigger goals ahead, but finally getting past these guys is pretty special.”
Before this win, the 76ers held an NBA-record 0-18 mark when trailing 3-1 in a series, while Boston had been a perfect 32-0 in the same situation. This marked Philadelphia’s first playoff series victory over Boston since 1982, ending a streak of six straight losses — the most recent three featuring Embiid. The teams have now met in a record 23 playoff series.
Behind Embiid’s 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, along with Tyrese Maxey’s 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists — the first teammates in NBA history to each post at least 30-10-5 in a Game 7 — the 76ers broke through against their longtime rivals.
“I just really wanted the ball,” Maxey said about his clutch plays. “Early in the fourth we went to Joel, and I felt it was my time to step up.”
The 76ers now advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the New York Knicks, who eliminated them two years ago. That series tips off Monday.
Boston suffered a major blow before the game when Jayson Tatum was ruled out with left knee stiffness.
“He came in with some discomfort, and after talking with the medical staff, we decided he wouldn’t play,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla explained.
Without Tatum, the Celtics used an untested starting lineup and trailed early. Philadelphia built a 15-point lead in the first quarter, but Boston fought back to take a brief lead in the second. The 76ers regained control and pushed their advantage to 84-66 late in the third.
The Celtics mounted a strong fourth-quarter rally, closing the gap to one point multiple times. However, after Jaylen Brown’s basket made it 97-96, Boston missed 10 straight shots. Maxey delivered back-to-back layups to seal the victory.
“It was great timing,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said of Maxey’s plays. “He hadn’t been at full speed much, but those were huge.”
While the 76ers celebrated a historic breakthrough, the Celtics reflected on a season that ended sooner than expected. Just days earlier, they had dominated in Game 4. Now, they head into the offseason looking to make additions and get healthy for another title push.
“No regrets at all,” said Brown, who led Boston with 33 points. “Philly played well and improved. It’s the playoffs — we knew it would be tough.”