The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals [1]. Philadelphia completed a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, marking only the 14th time in NBA playoff history that a team has overcome such a gap [1].
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists [1]. Tyrese Maxey added 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the decisive win [1]. Celtics star Jaylen Brown said of Embiid, "He put a lot of pressure on us. We didn’t really have the answers for him." [1]
76ers coach Joe Mazzulla said, "I love the looks that we got. I love the process that we had.. But I hate the result," reflecting on the Celtics’ exit [1].
Embiid urged 76ers fans not to sell playoff tickets to Knicks supporters ahead of the next series, offering financial help if needed. "Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East. We’re gonna need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys," he said [1]. He added, "Knicks fans travel – they buy tickets. There’s gonna be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money. Don’t do it, we need you guys. We need the support, and we need them to be extremely loud. If you need money, I’ve got you," [1].
Maxey noted the significance of the win, saying, "We had a chance to beat them three years ago, didn’t do it. We came in and got it done," [1].
Philadelphia, seeded No. 7, will visit No. 3 New York for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night [1]. The matchup is set to begin May 6, continuing the 76ers' postseason run [1].
