When the Philadelphia 76ers were closing out their NBA Play-In matchup against the Orlando Magic, they knew who they were playing next.
Waiting for the seventh seed to be decided, the Boston Celtics got the winner of that matchup. As the Sixers punched their ticket to the playoffs, the crowd in South Philadelphia felt confident.
“We want Boston” chants were ringing off at Xfinity Mobile Arena. It was a moment that fired up Celtics fans from a distance, and even caused Stephen A. Smith to claim that Sixers fans would regret doing that.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 look on in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Sure enough, Game 1 proved him right. The Celtics dominated the Sixers. And as the first game of the series was closing out, Celtics fans fired up a sarcastic chant. “We want Boston” could be heard throughout TD Garden.
Jayson Tatum Reacts To The Crowd
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“Yeah, I heard it,” Tatum said, regarding his ovation and the sarcastic chants.
“I mean, we have a tremendous crowd. Obviously, missing 60-some odd games, you know, I miss playing in front of our home crowd. Just the opportunity again to play here in the playoffs is special. It’s something I’ll never take for granted. I guess [the other chant] was a response to Philly fans.”
The Celtics defeated the Sixers 123-91. They take a 1-0 lead in the series.
For Tatum, it was his first playoff action since going down with an Achilles injury last postseason, in the second-round series against the New York Knicks.
Facing the 76ers for the first time this year, Tatum checked in for 32 minutes. He shot 9-17 from the field and 6-6 from the charity stripe to produce 25 points.
Tatum logged a double-double by adding 11 rebounds. He also dished out seven assists and came up with two steals.
When Do The Sixers-Celtics Play Again?
GettyBOSTON, MA – APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives on Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Monday is an off day from games for both teams.
Game 2 will take place in Boston on Tuesday, April 21, at 7 PM ET.
With Tatum getting fewer minutes than he typically would in the playoffs, the veteran forward got some unexpected rest during Game 1. Playing without limitations, the veteran forward should be good to go for Game 2.
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