For the first time since 1982, the Philadelphia 76ers bested the Boston Celtics in a playoff series.
It took everything they had, but the Sixers pulled out a 109-100 victory over the Celtics in Game 7 to eliminate Boston and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2023.
Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey Make NBA History as a Duo in Game 7 Victory over Celtics
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 08: Joel Embiid #21 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 08, 2025 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)
The Sixers fell down 3-1 in the series, but the return of star center Joel Embiid shifted everything into Philadelphia’s favor. Embiid returned for the final four games of the series after missing the first three due to appendectomy recovery, and the Celtics simply didn’t have an answer for the former MVP.
Embiid finished Game 7 with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Along with star guard Tyrese Maxey, the duo made some NBA history in the thrilling victory. Maxey finished the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.
Together, Maxey and Embiid became the first duo in NBA history to each have 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a Game 7, per ESPN.
That’s an extremely impressive stat that highlights how impactful both players were in the do-or-die game. Embiid did a lot of the heavy lifting offensively over the course of the contest, and then Maxey closed things out with several clutch baskets in the closing minutes of the game.
76ers Advance to Face New York Knicks in Eastern Conference Semifinals
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks fight for position during the second half in game one of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2024 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 111-104. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
It has been over 40 years since the Sixers bested the Celtics in a series, but the city of Philadelphia won’t have too long to celebrate, as the Sixers will be right back in action. They’re scheduled to kick off their second-round series with the Knicks in New York on Monday night.
The matchup between Philadelphia and New York will be a rematch of a first-round matchup from 2024. The Knicks won that series in six games, but the Sixers didn’t have Paul George or V.J. Edgecombe at that point in time.
The series between Philadelphia and New York promises to be a competitive one. The two teams played four times during the regular season and they went 2-2. The Sixers won the first two meetings while the Knicks came out on top in the two most recent matchups.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey Make NBA History in 76ers’ Game 7 Win Over Celtics appeared first on HEAVY.