The Philadelphia 76ers walked into TD Garden on Saturday night to complete a stunning turnaround. Joel Embiid put the franchise on his back and helped erase a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Boston Celtics in Game 7.
Just weeks ago, Embiid suffered severe appendicitis and underwent an emergency appendectomy.
Joel Embiid’s ‘Legacy Game’ Fuels the 76ers’ Historic Comeback Against the Celtics
The Sixers survived the play-in tournament without Embiid but saw Boston build a 3-1 series lead after a 128-96 blowout in Game 4, which also marked Embiid’s return to the floor after surgery.
The seven-time All-Star’s presence helped the 76ers flip the series on its head, winning three straight to advance to Round 2.
With the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum ruled out ahead of tip-off (left knee stiffness), Embiid capitalized by dismantling Boston’s defense.
Joel Embiid of the @sixers is the first player in NBA history to score 100+ points in a playoff series despite missing the first 3 games. pic.twitter.com/iuMXvrOFqy
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 3, 2026
He capped off the series finale with a top performance over 39 minutes, pouring in 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists while going 12-of-26 from the floor.
After the final buzzer, the NBA community couldn’t help but marvel at Embiid’s physical endurance, with Philadelphia reporter Luke Arcaini posting, “Joel Embiid is one of the toughest athletes in the history of Philadelphia.”
Joel Embiid is one of the toughest athletes in the history of Philadelphia.
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 3, 2026
“Man, Joel Embiid has been an absolute warrior out there tonight. Playing through just all types of things and gutting it out in true Game 7 fashion for the 76ers,” OKC beat reporter Michael Martin said.
“I’m so happy for the Embiid. Who knows if his knee will hold up, but he put his body on the line to conquer a team that’s been a demon to this ball club. He’s always had my respect, but he and they get an extra hat tip tonight. Well done, fellas,” another user said.
I’m so happy for the Embiid. Who knows if his knee will hold up, but he put his body on the line to conquer a team that’s been a demon to this ball club. He’s always had my respect, but he and they get an extra hat tip tonight. Well done, fellas.
— NBA Jah (@JahlilWill) May 3, 2026
“I could not care less about how far the Sixers do or do not go in the playoffs. I just want to watch Embiid for as many games like this as he has left,” ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak said.
“Statistically, it won’t come close, but this is shaping up to be Embiid’s best game ever in terms of narrative and legacy,” sports editor Jacob Moreno said.
Prior to tonight, the Celtics were 32-0 in series with a 3-1 lead, the most wins without a loss in NBA history! 😳
The 76ers were 0-18 when trailing a series 3-1, the most losses without a win in NBA history 😱 pic.twitter.com/2Yhc8JcBfL
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 3, 2026
“Yeah Joel has missed more games due to injury than just about anyone, but also I’m pretty sure no player in recent memory has played through pain more than he has. And still been so effective? Nah. Shoutout to the big fella; he completely changed that series,” Brett Usher said.
Even Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla couldn’t help but pinpoint Embiid as the point of difference in this series, saying postgame, “What changed in the series was Joel Embiid came back, and they’re a completely different team.”
“What changed in the series was Joel Embiid came back.”
Joe Mazzulla on what made the difference in the Celtics’ series against the 76ers. pic.twitter.com/pMdKLcdxRA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 3, 2026
The Sixers now advance to Round 2 with incredible momentum, set to face the New York Knicks with Game 1 scheduled to tip off at Madison Square Garden.
For Boston, meanwhile, an unexpected early offseason forces them to review their roster dynamics, as many call for the franchise to fire Mazzulla, especially after squandering away this first-round lead.
