76ers Beat Celtics 113-97 Behind Joel Embiid’s 33

The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 113-97 on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series, with Joel Embiid leading all scorers with 33 points and adding eight assists as Philadelphia closed strong to extend the matchup.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Boston opened with a slight edge and took a 23-21 lead after one quarter. The Celtics were a bit sharper early, doing enough in the half court to stay in front, while Philadelphia kept the margin close and avoided letting the home crowd build momentum.

Second Quarter

The Celtics added to their lead in the second, outscoring the 76ers 34-29 to take a 57-50 advantage into halftime. Boston looked in control for stretches, moving the ball well and finding enough offense despite uneven perimeter shooting. Philadelphia stayed within reach, which proved important once the game turned after the break.

Third Quarter

The 76ers changed the tone in the third quarter. Philadelphia put up 35 points in the period and cut into the deficit with more efficient shot-making, better pace, and steady production from Embiid. Boston still entered the fourth ahead by one possession, but the rhythm had shifted.

Fourth Quarter

The final quarter decided everything. Philadelphia outscored Boston 28-11 over the last 12 minutes, taking full control with defensive stops and efficient offense. The Celtics managed only 11 points in the period, while the 76ers consistently converted from the field and at the free throw line to pull away for a 16-point road win at TD Garden.

Key Performers

Joel Embiid set the standard for Philadelphia with 33 points and eight assists, serving as the central force in the 76ers’ comeback effort. He was the game’s top scorer and also helped organize the offense as the pace and efficiency improved in the second half.

Tyrese Maxey added a strong all-around contribution, highlighted by a team-best 10 rebounds. His activity helped Philadelphia stay competitive on the glass and supported a balanced road performance.

For Boston, Jayson Tatum finished with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and three steals. He carried a major workload and was the Celtics’ most productive player statistically, but Boston’s offense could not sustain itself late. Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with six assists.

NerdSports Stat: Philadelphia won this game by 16 after trailing by seven at halftime, meaning the 76ers swung the margin by 23 points over the final two quarters, including a 17-point edge in the fourth alone.

Game Analysis

This game came down to efficiency and late-game execution. Philadelphia shot 50.0% from the field, compared with 40.4% for Boston, and also held a clear edge at the line, making 20 of 23 free throws while the Celtics went 14 of 23. In a playoff game that tightened late, those extra makes mattered.

The 76ers also got more from long range, hitting 15 of 42 from three-point range at 35.7%, while Boston made 11 of 39 at 28.2%. Even though the Celtics finished with a slight rebounding edge, 49-47, they could not overcome the drop in scoring in the fourth quarter.

Boston’s 11-point final period stood out as the key number of the night. After scoring 86 points through three quarters, the Celtics were limited to one of their weakest offensive stretches at the worst time. Philadelphia, by contrast, stayed composed, created better looks, and consistently turned possessions into points.

Closing Context

The result gives Philadelphia a needed response in the series and cuts Boston’s lead to 3-2 in this Eastern Conference first-round matchup. The Celtics still hold the advantage, but the 76ers forced a Game 6 and kept the pressure on after a strong road performance in front of 19,156 fans at TD Garden.

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