Philadelphia 76ers complete historic 3-1 comeback to defeat Boston Celtics in Game 7
The victory ends a six-year losing streak between the franchises and sees Embiid and Tyrese Maxey become the first duo in NBA history to record 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single Game 7.
The Philadelphia 76ers have secured a 109-100 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, completing a historic 3-1 comeback. The result marks the first time the 76ers have defeated the Celtics in the playoffs since 1982, ending a six-year losing streak between the franchises.
Central to the victory was the return of Joel Embiid, who played through 39 minutes following an emergency appendectomy performed just as the playoffs were set to begin. The centre recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, leading the team to their first Game 7 win in the series. This performance makes Embiid the first player in NBA history to miss three games of a seven-game series and still score more than 100 total points in that series.
Tyrese Maxey provided crucial support, contributing 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Together, the duo became the first in NBA history to each record 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single Game 7. Their combined output was instrumental in overcoming the deficit and securing the series win.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the shift in momentum following Embiid's return, stating that the primary change in the series was the centre's availability, which transformed the team's dynamic. The win also represents the 14th time in NBA history that a team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven series.
The victory was not solely dependent on the two stars, as other contributors played significant roles throughout the series. Paul George was available and effective after missing 25 games earlier in the season, while rookie VJ Edgecombe recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2, becoming the first rookie to achieve this feat in a playoff game since Tim Duncan.
The match concluded with the 76ers capitalising on a stretch where Boston missed nine consecutive shots in the final minutes. Maxey delivered eight straight points inside the final two minutes to put the game away, ensuring the 76ers move on in the Eastern Conference.
