The Philadelphia 76ers refused to let their season end quietly. Behind Joel Embiid’s commanding 33-point performance, the Sixers stormed back from a double-digit deficit and stunned the Boston Celtics, 113-97, in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night at TD Garden.
Embiid’s Impact on Sixers
In just his second game back from an emergency appendectomy, Embiid looked every bit the MVP-caliber force Philadelphia has relied on for years. He scored 13 points in the second quarter to steady the Sixers, then added 10 more in the third as part of a decisive 12-0 run that flipped a three-point edge into a 15-point cushion. His ability to anchor the offence and punish Boston’s interior defense was the difference-maker.
Maxey’s All-Around Effort
Tyrese Maxey complemented Embiid perfectly, finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds. His relentless pace and energy kept Boston’s defense on its heels, and he repeatedly came up with timely baskets to sustain Philadelphia’s momentum. Maxey’s growth into a dependable second option has been critical for the Sixers, especially in a series where every possession feels magnified.
George Provides Support
Paul George chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds, giving Philadelphia another steady veteran presence. His contributions on both ends helped balance the Sixers’ attack and ensured that Boston couldn’t simply collapse on Embiid and Maxey.
Celtics Falter at Home
Boston, which had taken control of the series with back-to-back wins in Philadelphia, looked poised to close things out when it built a 13-point lead in the third quarter. But the Celtics couldn’t withstand the Sixers’ surge. Jayson Tatum posted 24 points and 16 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 22, yet the duo struggled to generate consistent offence once Philadelphia tightened its defense.
What’s Next
The victory keeps the seventh-seeded Sixers alive, trimming Boston’s series lead to 3-2. Game 6 shifts back to Philadelphia on Friday, where the Sixers will attempt to force a decisive Game 7 in Boston on Sunday.
