The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 [1] in Game 7 on May 2, 2024, to win the playoff series 4-3 [1].
The loss ends the season for the Celtics at TD Garden in Boston. The result is significant because Boston surrendered a 3-1 lead in the series, marking a rare collapse for the team and a historic milestone for Philadelphia.
According to reports, the 76ers became the first team in their franchise history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series [1]. The Celtics had held a commanding lead before losing three consecutive games to exit the postseason [3].
Analysts said several factors contributed to the Boston collapse. Key issues included defensive lapses, poor shooting during the fourth quarter, and an inability to protect leads during the final stretch of the series [5, 6].
The Game 7 victory secures the 76ers' place in the next round of the NBA playoffs. For the Celtics, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to advance after dominating the early portion of the matchup [2, 3].
“The 76ers became the first team in their franchise history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series.”
This result underscores a psychological shift in the series momentum, where Philadelphia's ability to win three straight games overcame Boston's early dominance. By achieving a franchise-first comeback from a 3-1 deficit, the 76ers have established a historical precedent for resilience that may influence their approach in subsequent rounds.
