The Philadelphia 76ers refused to let their season end quietly on Friday. Tyrese Maxey poured in 30 points, Paul George rediscovered his All-Star form with 23, and Joel Embiid added 19 as the 76ers outplayed the Boston Celtics 106-93 in Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7 in Boston.
Maxey Leads the 76ers
Maxey was relentless, attacking the Celtics’ defense and setting the tone from the opening tip. His speed and shot-making gave Philadelphia the edge it had lacked in earlier blowout defeats. With Embiid still working his way back from an April appendectomy, Maxey’s energy was indispensable.
George’s Throwback Performance
George, often overlooked this season after a 25-game suspension and nagging injuries, reminded everyone of his pedigree. He hit five 3-pointers, stretched the floor, and steadied the offense whenever Embiid sat. “We’re still alive,” George said. “In this moment, we just stayed together. We stayed confident. We stayed poised.”
The highlight of the night came in the third quarter. Kelly Oubre Jr. blocked Jaylen Brown, Maxey scooped up the loose ball, and George dazzled with a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe, who finished with a thunderous dunk for a 69-54 lead. The Wells Fargo Center erupted, sensing the series had tilted back toward Philadelphia.
Embiid’s Presence and Edgecombe’s Spark
Embiid’s return has been crucial, even if he is not yet at full strength. His 19 points anchored the offense and forced Boston to respect the paint. Edgecombe, meanwhile, continued to energize the crowd with his fearless play, cementing his status as a Rookie of the Year finalist and fan favorite.
Celtics Falter
Boston struggled to find rhythm. Brown was hampered by early foul trouble and finished with 18 points. Jayson Tatum, still recovering from a ruptured Achilles, managed 17 but briefly left in the third quarter for treatment on a calf issue. The Celtics went scoreless for more than four minutes late in the third, and the 76ers stormed into the final quarter with an 82-63 lead.
“We didn’t play well tonight, and we move on to the next game,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Have an opportunity for Game 7 at home. It’s part of our journey.”
What’s Next
The 76ers, once down 3-1, now stand on the brink of history. Only the 1959 Minneapolis Lakers have ever won a series after losing two games by 30-plus points. Philadelphia has clawed back to give itself that chance.
Sunday in Boston, everything will be on the line. For Maxey, George, and Embiid, the opportunity is clear—one game to rewrite the narrative of a season that has been anything but ordinary. For Tatum, Brown, and the rest of the Cs, the stakes are just as high: avoid infamy and continue a potential title run.
