The Philadelphia 76ers made history by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Celtics on May 2, 2026. They won Game 7 at TD Garden, finishing with a score of 109-100. This victory marked their first playoff series win over Boston in 44 years.
The expectation was that the Celtics would advance after leading the series. However, the Sixers rallied back. Joel Embiid scored 34 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 30 points. Their performance was crucial in turning the tide of the series.
The decisive moment came when the Sixers surged ahead in the second half. They outscored the Celtics significantly, taking control of the game. The absence of Jayson Tatum for Boston due to left knee stiffness also impacted their performance.
Key statistics from Game 7:
- Joel Embiid: 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists
- Tyrese Maxey: 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists
- Total points scored by the Sixers: 109
- Total points scored by the Celtics: 100
- VJ Edgecombe contributed with 23 points
This comeback victory makes the Sixers only the 13th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. Coach Nick Nurse remarked, “It’s really good for us to go through that and respond to it.” This win boosts their confidence as they prepare for their next challenge.
The Sixers will now face the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. This matchup will test their resilience further after such a historic comeback.