By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Philadelphia 76ers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals after defeating the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7, completing a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 series deficit.
Joel Embiid led the way with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Philadelphia controlled most of the game, despite nearly surrendering a double-digit lead late.
The win marked the first time in franchise history that the Sixers overcame a 3-1 deficit, becoming just the 14th team in NBA history to do so. It was also only their second road Game 7 victory, and their first since 1982.
Boston, playing without Jayson Tatum, struggled from beyond the arc for the third straight game and never recovered after a slow start. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points, but the second-seeded team suffered its earliest playoff exit since the 2020-21 season and fell to 32-1 all-time when leading a series 3-1.
The 76ers will now face the New York Knicks in the second round, while Boston exits the playoffs earlier than expected.