The Philadelphia 76ers made history on May 2, 2026, by defeating the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. This victory marked the first time a No. 7 seed overcame a No. 2 seed since the playoff format changed to best-of-seven.
Joel Embiid led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. Tyrese Maxey also shined, contributing 30 points alongside 11 rebounds and 7 assists. VJ Edgecombe added another 23 points, helping seal the win for Philadelphia.
The Sixers’ comeback was remarkable; they overcame a daunting 3-1 series deficit. This win ended a painful 44-year playoff series losing streak against the Celtics, a fact that resonated deeply with fans and players alike. Coach Nick Nurse expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “It’s really good for us to go through that and respond to it.”
The absence of Jayson Tatum due to left knee stiffness certainly impacted Boston’s performance. Jaylen Brown stepped up with his own impressive total of 33 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. He acknowledged Embiid’s influence on their game: “Embiid put a lot of pressure on us, on all of our bigs and our guards.”
This victory holds special significance for Philadelphia as they had not won a playoff series since 2023. Now, they look ahead to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The anticipation is palpable among fans who have waited years for this moment.
The Sixers are now part of an exclusive club—only 14 teams in NBA history have come back from a 3-1 deficit. As they prepare for their next challenge, players like Maxey are enthusiastic: “I just really wanted the ball,” he said after his standout performance.
This Game 7 will be remembered not just for its score but for its place in playoff history. The Sixers have not only rewritten their narrative but also set a new benchmark in the NBA playoffs.
