The Philadelphia 76ers made history by defeating the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of their playoff series on May 2, 2026. This victory marks the first time a No. 7 seed has defeated a No. 2 seed since the NBA playoff format changed to best-of-seven.
In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Sixers completed a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. Joel Embiid led the charge with an outstanding performance, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and providing 6 assists. Tyrese Maxey also shone brightly, contributing 30 points, along with 11 rebounds and 7 assists. VJ Edgecombe added another vital 23 points, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
The Celtics faced challenges of their own, notably missing star forward Jayson Tatum due to left knee stiffness. Despite this setback, Jaylen Brown stepped up for Boston, scoring 33 points. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a win against a determined Sixers squad.
This victory is significant not just for this season but also for playoff history. The Sixers had not beaten the Celtics in a playoff series since 1982, ending a long-standing rivalry that had seen them lose for over four decades. Additionally, they are now one of only 14 teams in NBA history to win a series after trailing 3-1.
The implications of this win are profound:
- The Sixers will face the New York Knicks in the next round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
- This victory ended a 44-year playoff series losing streak to the Celtics.
- The team’s resilience could set a precedent for future playoff performances.
The road ahead looks promising for Philadelphia. Coach Nick Nurse remarked on their journey: “It’s really good for us to go through that and respond to it.” With such momentum, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far this team can go.
This Game 7 victory will be remembered as a defining moment in both teams’ histories—especially for the Sixers as they continue their quest for an NBA championship.