The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 to win the first-round series 4-3, advancing to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The 76ers came back from a 3-1 series deficit, becoming the 14th team in NBA history to do so and doing so for the first time in franchise history, led by Joel Embiid's 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. The Celtics played without Jayson Tatum, who was ruled out about 90 minutes before tipoff due to knee stiffness.
Jaylen Brown scored 33 points and nine rebounds but the team struggled from three-point range, shooting 13 of 49. The loss marks Boston's earliest playoff exit since the 2020-21 season and drops them to 32-1 when leading a series 3-1. Coach Joe Mazzulla said he loved the looks the team got from three-point range but hated the result.
I just have a message for our fans. Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East. We’re gonna need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.
7 points per game this season (fourth best), alleged after the game that NBA officials had an agenda against him due to his past criticism. He was called for 10 offensive fouls in the first round, more than double any other player, and claimed he spoke to some referees who confirmed there was an agenda. In a series of social media posts, Brown said the officials stated, 'We're gonna call every -- you're gonna lead the playoffs in offensive fouls,' adding that the 76ers took advantage of the officiating.
Brown also criticized Joel Embiid for flopping, saying it had ruined the game. Brown said he didn't find out about Tatum's absence until about 45 minutes before the game, according to his own account, though the team had ruled him out earlier, and his mindset remained the same. Tyrese Maxey recorded 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists for the 76ers.
Knicks fans travel – they buy tickets. There’s gonna be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money. Don’t do it, we need you guys. We need the support, and we need them to be extremely loud. If you need money, I’ve got you.
Embiid became the first player in NBA history to score 100 points in a playoff series despite missing the first three games. After the game, Embiid urged fans not to sell their tickets for the upcoming series against the Knicks, offering to pay for those who need money. Maxey said the team had a talk after Game 5 and decided they could not let the same thing happen again.
Derrick White scored 26 points with five three-pointers for the Celtics. The 76ers will now face the New York Knicks in the second round. It remains unclear how severe Tatum's knee injury is and whether it will affect his availability for the start of next season.
The NBA has not announced whether it will investigate Brown's allegations of referee bias, and it is uncertain if the 76ers can maintain their momentum after the emotional comeback.