The Philadelphia 76ers’ first-round series against the Boston Celtics was a massive success in more ways than one.
For the Sixers, the fact that they won the game, leading to a series victory, is obviously a successful accomplishment for the team.
As for the NBA as a whole, they had a big win in terms of viewership. On Tuesday afternoon, the NBA announced some major news on the views front for the Saturday night finale between the 76ers and the Celtics.
The NBA Makes A Major Announcement
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers pumps up the crowd during the first half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
via NBA PR on X:
“Game 7 of the 76ers/Celtics series on May 2 averaged 11 million viewers on NBC/Peacock â the most-watched first-round Game 7 ever and the most-watched first-round game in 27 years.
The first round of the NBA Playoffs was the most-viewed in 33 years, averaging 4 million viewers per game across ABC/ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and NBC/Peacock.”
The 76ers Moved On
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Celtics entered the NBA Playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers hadn’t beaten the Celtics in an NBA series since the 1980s. After several series losses against Boston during the Joel Embiid era, the Sixers finally broke the drought.
Boston was knocked out with a 109-100 loss.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers take the tip during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Sixers secured a second-round ticket to take on the New York Knicks on the road for Games 1 and 2.
After engaging in a hard-fought battle with Boston, the Sixers struggled to follow up two nights later on the road at Madison Square Garden.
The 76ers never really had control of the game. With the Knicks firing on all cylinders and shooting efficiently, the 76ers didn’t have an answer. They ended up taking on a 137-98 loss in Game 1 against the Knicks.
After battling back from a 1-3 series score, with two blowouts, the Sixers know that Game 1 won’t guarantee the final results of the series. The 76ers will get a chance to bounce back on Wednesday, May 6.
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