NBA Playoffs 2026: 76ers Make History with 3-1 Comeback Over Celtics
In a historic Game 7 on May 2, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers completed a stunning 3-1 series comeback to eliminate the Boston Celtics with a 109-100 victory at TD Garden. This win marks the first time in 76ers franchise history that they have overcome a 3-1 deficit, and the first time the Celtics have ever lost a series after leading 3-1 (previously 32-0).
1. Joel Embiid’s Dominance
Despite undergoing surgery for an emergency appendectomy in April and missing the first three games of the series, Joel Embiid proved why he is the focal point of the Sixers.
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The Stats: Embiid finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists.
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Historical Milestone: He became the first player in NBA history to score 100+ points in a playoff series despite missing the first three games.
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The Impact: Embiid dominated the paint, scoring 16 of his points inside and providing a defensive anchor that the Celtics struggled to bypass.
2. Boston’s Shooting Nightmare
The Celtics’ reliance on the three-point shot proved to be their undoing as they struggled for the third consecutive game.
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Poor Efficiency: Boston shot a dismal 13-of-49 (26.5%) from beyond the arc.
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Clutch Failure: The Celtics went 0-of-9 from three-point range in the final five minutes of the game.
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Coach’s Stance: Joe Mazzulla defended the strategy, stating, “I love the looks that we got… But I hate the result.”
3. Key Supporting Performances
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Tyrese Maxey: The young guard took over the closing minutes, scoring 8 straight points in the clutch to finish with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
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VJ Edgecombe: The rookie set a franchise record for points by a 76ers rookie in a Game 7, contributing a vital 23 points.
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Jaylen Brown (BOS): Fought valiantly in the absence of Jayson Tatum (ruled out pre-game with knee stiffness), leading Boston with 33 points and 9 rebounds.
Series Breakdown: The Road to the Semifinals
| Game | Result | Status |
| Game 1 | Celtics won (123-91) | Boston Lead 1-0 |
| Game 2 | 76ers won (111-97) | Series Tied 1-1 |
| Game 3 | Celtics won (108-100) | Boston Lead 2-1 |
| Game 4 | Celtics won (128-96) | Boston Lead 3-1 |
| Game 5 | 76ers won (113-97) | Boston Lead 3-2 |
| Game 6 | 76ers won (106-93) | Series Tied 3-3 |
| Game 7 | 76ers won (109-100) | 76ers Win 4-3 |
What’s Next?
The 76ers advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to face the New York Knicks. Game 1 is scheduled for Monday night at Madison Square Garden.