On May 2, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. This victory marks their first playoff series win against the Celtics in 44 years.
Joel Embiid was instrumental in this historic comeback, scoring an impressive 34 points while also grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly as well, putting up 30 points, securing 11 rebounds, and providing 7 assists. The duo’s performance showcased their synergy and determination.
This win is particularly noteworthy because the 76ers overcame a daunting 3-1 series deficit, a feat they had never achieved before. Historically, they had gone an NBA-record 0-18 when trailing in a series by that margin. Joel Embiid expressed his gratitude to fans, stating, “I have a message for our fans. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.” His words resonated with the crowd and highlighted the team’s reliance on their supporters.
The historical context adds weight to this victory. The last time the Sixers beat the Celtics in a playoff series was back in 1982. This game not only broke that long-standing streak but also made them the first No. 7 seed in the East to defeat a No. 2 seed since the playoff format expanded to best-of-seven in 2003.
As they move forward, the Philadelphia 76ers will face off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The teams split their season series evenly at 2-2, setting up an intriguing matchup ahead.
The absence of Jayson Tatum due to left knee stiffness certainly impacted the Celtics’ performance in Game 7. As they regroup for future challenges, both teams will need to strategize effectively to adapt to these developments.
This victory is not just another win; it signifies resilience and growth for the Philadelphia franchise as they look toward advancing further in the playoffs.