Sixers Complete Historic 3-1 Comeback, Defeat Celtics in Game 7

Winslow Townson/Delaware Online

The two best words in sports—Game 7. And on this stage, the Philadelphia 76ers delivered a performance that will be remembered in franchise history. Facing elimination and down 3-1 in the series, the Sixers stormed into TD Garden and defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 to complete an improbable comeback.

It marks the first time Philadelphia has rallied from a 3-1 deficit after previously going 0-18 in such situations, adding another unforgettable chapter to one of the sport’s greatest rivalries and the first time defeating the Celtics in a playoff series since 1982.

The Sixers were led by their stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, who combined for 64 of the team’s 109 points as both recorded 30-point double-doubles. Meanwhile, the shorthanded Celtics—without Jayson Tatum (left knee stiffness)—made a strong effort behind Jaylen Brown’s 33 points and Derrick White’s 26, but ultimately fell short.

https://youtu.be/0tbKk-maRzQ?si=33HLaSmZIYVp4rpa

Sixers Get Off to a Hot Start Early

Philadelphia showed no fear early, jumping out to a 6-0 lead as Boston came out flat. The Celtics committed early turnovers and missed key shots at the rim, while the Sixers attacked relentlessly and avoided settling for jumpers.

Boston struggled to find rhythm, hitting just one of its first seven shots—a 3-pointer from White; meanwhile, Philadelphia exploited Boston’s small lineup, consistently getting downhill and controlling the paint.

Despite Maxey picking up his second foul midway through the first quarter, the Sixers stayed aggressive. White kept Boston close, scoring 13 of the Celtics’ first 25 points and sparking a shift in momentum.

That shift fully materialized during an 18-4 Celtics run as Payton Pritchard drilled a 3-pointer to give Boston its first lead, igniting the TD Garden crowd. However, the Sixers responded. Embiid and the Sixers' fearless rookie, VJ Edgecombe, delivered timely buckets to stabilize the game.

By halftime, Embiid and White each had 19 points, but Philadelphia held a 55-50 advantage. 

Sixers Respond as Celtics Go Cold

Boston faced immediate trouble in the third quarter when Neemias Queta picked up his fourth foul, forcing the Celtics back into a small lineup that placed Luka Garza at center. Philadelphia capitalized with an 8-0 run to extend its lead to 11, silencing the crowd.

Boston attempted to respond from deep, as Brown and Pritchard knocked down key shots. Tensions rose when Brown and Embiid exchanged words, adding intensity to an already physical contest as Brown took the Embiid assignment defensively most of the night when Queta was on the bench.

Still, Boston leaned too heavily on perimeter shooting—and the misses added up as they would finish with an abysmal 26.5% from deep.

Moments later, Sixers fans held their breath as Embiid briefly exited to the locker room; it looked like a potential turning point. Instead, the Sixers stayed composed. Paul George and Edgecombe hit crucial back-to-back threes, stretching the lead to 18 while Tatum could only watch in despair from the bench.

Fourth Quarter Chaos Seals Boston’s Fate

The Celtics made one last effort, starting the fourth quarter with a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to six. The energy inside TD Garden returned quickly as Boston clawed back into the game.

Brown was aggressively attacking the rim, but a physical exchange with Embiid on one sequence resulted in a flagrant foul on the Sixers center, putting Boston in the bonus for the rest of the game.

Momentum fully swung when Brown converted a 3-point play to cut the lead to one. The building erupted as Boston appeared on the verge of completing the comeback.

But Embiid delivered in the biggest moment.

He knocked down a clutch 3-pointer to silence the crowd, pushing the Sixers back ahead by four. Shortly after, Maxey attacked the basket and drew a crucial foul on Queta, who picked up his fifth personal foul after a failed Celtics challenge.

Brown answered again to trim the deficit, but Embiid calmly converted from the free-throw line, adding to his 34-point performance. Boston had opportunities. Clean looks from deep. Chances to seize control.

However, they couldn’t capitalize as they went 0-for-9 from three in the final five minutes. Maxey then sealed it, slicing through the defense for back-to-back layups to extend the lead to five.

From there, Philadelphia closed the door.

"I've been playing these guys for so long. I'm tired of losing to them." Embiid said before Game 7. "We have a chance to accomplish something special."

The Sixers became the first No. 7 seed to defeat a No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference since the first-round playoff format expanded to seven games in 2003. They also became the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit.

The Sixers will now face off against the Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony-Towns-led Knicks in the semifinals, with Game 1 set to tip off Monday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.