The Boston Celtics say they have a plan.
The problem? Joel Embiid doesn’t sound too concerned about it.
As the Eastern Conference first-round series shifts back to Philadelphia for a pivotal Game 6, the Celtics are searching for answers after Embiid powered the 76ers to a 113-97 Game 5 win that extended the series.
Boston still leads 3-2. But momentum — and perhaps belief — has started to tilt.
Joel Embiid’s Dominance Forces Celtics Adjustment
Embiid delivered one of his most commanding performances since returning from an emergency appendectomy, finishing with 33 points in Game 5. After scoring just two points in the opening quarter, he took control the rest of the way — scoring 13 in the second, 10 in the third and eight more in the fourth as Philadelphia pulled away late.
“He was dominant,” 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey said. “Especially the second half, he was extremely dominant.”
The numbers back it up.
Through two playoff appearances since returning, Embiid is averaging 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists while logging heavy minutes. More importantly, he’s dictating matchups and forcing Boston into uncomfortable defensive rotations.
That’s where the Celtics’ plan comes in.
Celtics Outline Defensive Plan — But Execution Remains Question
Boston big man Nikola Vucevic acknowledged the challenge after shootaround, emphasizing the need to disrupt Embiid earlier in possessions.
“I think just try to do our job a little earlier,” Vucevic told reporters. “Make the catch a little tougher for him, make him get the ball a little further away from the basket, and put more resistance on that first or second dribble.”
The idea is simple: don’t let Embiid get comfortable.
Because once he does, there’s very little that can be done.
That was evident in Game 5. Embiid shot efficiently against multiple defenders, going 5-for-6 against Vucevic and 5-for-11 against Neemias Queta. Even when Boston sent help, it often came too late.
“I feel like he had too many easy baskets,” Celtics guard Jaylen Brown said after Game 5. “We’ve got to make him work.”
That’s the plan.
But whether it works is another question.
Embiid’s Confidence Raises Stakes for Game 6
Embiid isn’t just playing well — he’s playing with unmistakable confidence.
“I feel pretty good about my chances of going one-on-one against anyone in this league,” Embiid said. “I don’t think I can be stopped.”
That belief has shown up in every possession.
Whether attacking in isolation, drawing double teams or initiating offense from the top of the key, Embiid has looked increasingly comfortable with each passing game. His ability to score or create out of pressure has forced Boston into difficult decisions defensively.
And when the Celtics guess wrong, the results have been costly.
Philadelphia closed Game 5 on a 19-5 run, turning a tight contest into a decisive win — fueled largely by Embiid’s presence.
Game 6 Pressure Builds as Series Tightens
Now the series returns to Philadelphia, where the stakes are clear.
The 76ers are trying to complete the comeback after falling behind 3-1. The Celtics are trying to avoid letting control slip away entirely.
“No need to put any extra pressure on ourselves,” Brown said. “There’s enough of that as it is.”
Still, the pressure is undeniable.
Boston’s defensive adjustments will be tested immediately. If the Celtics can limit Embiid’s touches and disrupt his rhythm early, they have a chance to close out the series.
If not, the series could be headed back to Boston for a Game 7.
Because right now, the Celtics may have a plan.
But Embiid is playing like he already has the answer.
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