The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off an incredible feat on May 2, 2026, defeating the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of their playoff series. This victory marked a historic comeback, as the 76ers overcame a 3-1 series deficit.
Before this decisive moment, expectations favored the Celtics, who boasted a perfect 32-0 record when leading a playoff series 3-1. However, the absence of star player Jayson Tatum due to left knee stiffness proved crucial.
Joel Embiid led the charge for the 76ers with an impressive performance, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. Tyrese Maxey also shone brightly, contributing 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Their combined efforts not only secured the win but also etched their names into NBA history.
This victory allowed the 76ers to become just the 14th team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit. Coach Nick Nurse praised Maxey’s timely contributions, saying, “He hadn’t turned on the jets much all night… but then he made a couple, and they were huge.” The shift in momentum was palpable.
The impact of this game resonates deeply. The Celtics, who had been viewed as favorites, now face disappointment after failing to advance out of the first round for the second time in a decade. Jaylen Brown reflected on this loss: “No feelings of regret whatsoever. Obviously, we would have liked to close it out… but Philadelphia is a good basketball team.”
The 76ers will now advance to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. As they celebrate this monumental victory over their long-standing rivals, fans in Philadelphia can relish this moment—it’s been since 1982 that they last triumphed over Boston in a playoff series.
This game not only highlights the fierce rivalry between these two franchises but also serves as a reminder that anything can happen in sports. With both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses throughout this series, it leaves fans eager for what’s to come next.
Kwame Ofori
Evelyn Mensah
Yaw Appiah
Ama Serwah