The Philadelphia 76ers made history by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 7 on May 2, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston. This victory marked the first playoff series win for the 76ers against the Celtics since 1982.
The Celtics entered this matchup with a perfect record of 32-0 when leading a series 3-1. They had won six consecutive playoff meetings against the Sixers before this game. However, the tide turned dramatically as the 76ers took control early.
The decisive moment occurred in the first quarter when the 76ers led by as many as 15 points. Joel Embiid dominated, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also played a crucial role, contributing 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The Celtics struggled with their shooting, making only 13 of 49 three-point attempts. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 34 points and 9 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome Philadelphia’s strong start.
This victory marked a significant achievement for the 76ers. They became just the 14th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after trailing 3-1. Their comeback reflects resilience and determination.
Tyrese Maxey commented on their turnaround, stating, “We had a talk after game five… we can’t let the same stuff happen over and over again.” Joel Embiid emphasized teamwork, saying, “Just playing hard… we stuck together, closed it out.” Jaylen Brown acknowledged Embiid’s impact on the game, noting that they struggled to defend him.
The next challenge for the Sixers is against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This matchup will test their newfound momentum and confidence after this historic win.
This was the 23rd playoff clash between these two storied franchises. The Celtics have historically dominated this rivalry, but this latest outcome signals a shift in power dynamics within the Eastern Conference.
