76ers Beat Celtics 109-100, Win Series in Game 7

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Game 7 at TD Garden, with Joel Embiid leading all scorers with 34 points while adding 12 rebounds. Philadelphia advanced by taking early control and answering each Boston push to close out the first-round series.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Philadelphia set the tone immediately, outscoring Boston 32-19 in the opening period. The 76ers were sharper on both ends, getting efficient offense from their top options and forcing the Celtics to play from behind. Boston struggled to find rhythm early, especially from three-point range, and the deficit put pressure on the home side for the rest of the night.

Second Quarter

The Celtics responded with a much better second quarter, winning the frame 31-23. Jaylen Brown helped lead the push as Boston got back into the game with improved shot-making and more urgency in transition and on the glass. By halftime, Philadelphia’s lead had been trimmed to 55-50, giving the crowd reason to believe a comeback was possible.

Third Quarter

The game shifted decisively in the third. Philadelphia outscored Boston 33-25 in the period, restoring control after the Celtics had cut into the margin before the break. Embiid and Tyrese Maxey anchored that response, and the 76ers’ offensive balance stood out as they created cleaner looks and kept Boston from building on its second-quarter momentum.

Fourth Quarter

Boston made one more push in the final period and edged Philadelphia 25-21, but the gap never fully disappeared. The 76ers stayed composed, got to the free-throw line, and executed well enough in the half court to hold off the late charge. Their earlier work gave them the cushion they needed to finish the road win.

Key Performers

Joel Embiid, 76ers: 34 points and 12 rebounds, finishing as the game’s top scorer and a steady interior presence throughout Game 7.

Tyrese Maxey, 76ers: 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in an outstanding all-around performance that gave Philadelphia another creator alongside Embiid.

Jaylen Brown, Celtics: 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, carrying much of Boston’s offensive load as the Celtics tried to work back from the early deficit.

Neemias Queta, Celtics: 12 rebounds, helping Boston match Philadelphia on the boards even while the Celtics struggled for efficiency.

Payton Pritchard, Celtics: 7 assists, providing playmaking support as Boston searched for offensive consistency.

NerdSports Stat: Philadelphia won Game 7 by nine despite taking 11 fewer shots than Boston, a swing driven by a major efficiency edge: 47.6% from the field to Boston’s 39.8%, plus a 20-13 advantage at the free-throw line.

Game Analysis

This game came down to shot quality, efficiency, and composure. Philadelphia shot 47.6% overall and 39.3% from three, compared with Boston’s 39.8% from the field and 26.5% from deep. The Celtics attempted 49 threes but made only 13, and that volume did not produce enough return in a winner-take-all setting.

The 76ers also moved the ball more cleanly, finishing with 25 assists to Boston’s 19. Maxey’s seven assists stood out here, especially in stretches when Boston sent extra attention toward Embiid. Philadelphia did not dominate the rebounding battle, with both teams finishing at 44, but it was more efficient with its possessions and more effective at turning advantages into points.

Another key factor was the start. Philadelphia’s 32-point first quarter gave it the kind of road cushion that changed the pressure of the night. Boston had stretches where it looked ready to make the live-game comeback many were following, particularly in the second quarter, but every time momentum tilted, Philadelphia had an answer.

For Boston, Brown delivered a strong individual line, but the overall offensive profile was difficult to overcome. The Celtics needed more efficiency from the perimeter and never fully erased the damage from the opening 12 minutes. In a Game 7, the combination of a slow start and inconsistent shooting left little margin for error.

Closing Context

With the win, Philadelphia claimed the series 4-3 and moved on from the Eastern Conference first round after taking the deciding game on the road. The 76ers finished the series by winning at TD Garden, while Boston’s season ended at home despite entering the night with a 30-11 home record and the higher regular-season mark.

Frequently Asked Questions