76ers Celtics – Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey lead the 76ers to a Game 7 comeback vs the Celtics and set up a Knicks matchup.
A historic turnaround finally belonged to Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey reflected on the 76ers’ remarkable series swing against the Boston Celtics after Philadelphia closed out a 109-100 win in Game 7 on Saturday.. Embiid said the team started well but had to correct their mindset after a relaxed stretch in the second quarter. adding that the key was staying together when the game tightened in the fourth.
In the same moment, Embiid also posted to social media and addressed Celtics fans with a message that focused on sportsmanship, telling them to “be classy.” It was the kind of line that can land differently after a comeback like this, when emotions are high and the margin for mistakes has vanished.
That Game 7 delivered exactly what Philadelphia needed: discipline early, urgency late, and star production when the Celtics made their push.. Embiid led with 34 points. backed by 12 rebounds and six assists. shooting 12-for-26 in a performance that set the tone both in the half-court and when possessions grew more important.. Maxey wasn’t just complementary either, finishing with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists while converting 11 of his 18 shots.
MISRYOUM insight: When a team down 3-1 finds a way to win not only once, but three straight, it usually comes down to rotation trust and shot selection under pressure. Philadelphia’s closing stretch shows they could execute even as the Celtics refused to fade.
With the score tied around the final minutes, Maxey took over.. Holding a narrow 99-98 lead with two minutes remaining. he sparked a decisive run by scoring eight straight points. turning a one-possession game into separation that Philadelphia could protect.. It was a swing that felt immediate. and it helped erase the doubt that often follows teams returning from a series hole.
Maxey also described the conversation that pushed the message home after Game 5.. He said he and Embiid talked about stopping the same mistakes from repeating. then pointed to the confidence built from winning Game 6 at home.. From there, Game 7 was treated like a true test, not a given, and Philadelphia’s response backed up that mindset.
MISRYOUM insight: These aren’t just wins on the scoreboard; they are reputation wins. A comeback of this scale changes how the next opponent studies film, because it proves the 76ers can survive adversity and still finish strong.
With the Celtics series complete, Embiid and Maxey now turn to the next challenge: the New York Knicks in the second round beginning Monday.