The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 [1] in Game 7 on May 2, 2026, to win the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The victory marks a historic turnaround for the franchise, as Philadelphia became the first team in its history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit [13, 14]. By winning the series 4-3 [12], the 76ers advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The deciding game took place at TD Garden in Boston [4]. Philadelphia relied on strong performances from its primary stars to secure the win. Joel Embiid led the scoring with 34 points, while adding 12 rebounds and six assists [2, 3, 4].
Tyrese Maxey provided critical support, contributing 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists [5, 6, 7]. Their combined effort allowed the 76ers to maintain control throughout the closing stages of the game.
Boston attempted to keep the series alive through the play of Jaylen Brown. Brown recorded 33 points, nine rebounds, and four assists [8, 9, 10]. He also converted three three-pointers during the contest [11], but the Celtics were unable to match the efficiency of the Philadelphia offense.
The 76ers now move forward to face the New York Knicks in the second round [15]. The team's ability to win three consecutive elimination games, including the final victory on the road, establishes them as a resilient contender in the postseason.
“The 76ers overcame a 3-1 series deficit to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs.”
The 76ers' recovery from a 3-1 deficit is a rare feat in NBA playoff history, signaling a significant psychological shift and a level of resilience that could define their championship aspirations. By defeating a high-seeded Boston team in a Game 7 on the road, Philadelphia enters the second round with substantial momentum heading into their series against the New York Knicks.
