It seemed unlikely given how the regular season unfolded and how the first round of the playoffs began. However, one of the Eastern Conference’s biggest rivalries of the past decade is headed to a Game 7.
After taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics have dropped two straight games, squandering their advantage. The second-seeded Celtics were stunningly routed 106-93 in Thursday’s Game 6 matchup in Philadelphia, leaving social media buzzing.
76ers Dominate Celtics to Force Game 7
An early 3-1 series lead for the Celtics seemed inevitable given the massive discrepancy between the two sides during the regular season. Moreover, Jayson Tatum looking more like his pre-injury self helped swing the pendulum further in Boston’s favor.
However, with Joel Embiid returning to the lineup, the 76ers have given the Celtics their money’s worth over the last two games. After a dominant showing on the road in Game 5, they replicated their success at home in Game 6.
The contest started off well for the Celtics, with a slight lead after one quarter. From that moment on, Philadelphia pulled in front and didn’t look back. The 76ers outscored Boston 38-26 in the second quarter, paving the way for a second-half blowout.
All five of their starters contributed, finishing with at least 14 points each. The well-rounded team effort culminated with a magical sequence midway through the third quarter, with back-to-back behind-the-back assists from Embiid and Paul George sending Philadelphia fans into a frenzy.
Sixers moving like the Globetrotters pic.twitter.com/vkfUDFFPtL
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 1, 2026
Content creator Ahmed/The Ears joked, “Sixers moving like the Globetrotters,” referring to the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. The highlight-worthy sequence helped Embiid and Co. head into the fourth quarter with a 19-point lead, triggering widespread panic.
The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn expressed his disappointment, stating, “Celtics are just getting embarrassed now. Ain’t on the [Atlanta] Hawks’ level, but the 76ers are sending a message.”
#Celtics are just getting embarrassed now. Ain’t on the #Hawks level, but the #76ers are sending a message.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) May 1, 2026
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps confirmed what was visible for everyone to see.
“After 3: Sixers 82, Celtics 63. Philly holds Boston scoreless for over four minutes late in the third to blow this game open. This might be the most complete game the 76ers have played all season,” Bontemps declared.
After 3: Sixers 82, Celtics 63
Philly holds Boston scoreless for over four minutes late in the third to blow this game open.
This might be the most complete game the 76ers have played all season.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 1, 2026
Even as the Celtics attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, it was all for naught. As a result, head coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters. While their bench unit was able to bring them closer, it still ended in a decisive 13-point victory for the 76ers.
Now the series heads back to TD Garden for Saturday’s do-or-die Game 7 showdown, but belief in Boston seems to be waning. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, one of the biggest voices in sports media and a diehard Celtics fan, was unsure of how his team would proceed.
“Just a different Celtics team. You could see all the signs on Tuesday. No bench points other than PP, which is crazy. 1 off rebound. Five forced TOs, that’s it. Dumb fouls. Slow it down, offense. They threw away what worked all season. Philly getting way better shots, too,” Simmons observed.
Just a different Celtics team. You could see all the signs on Tuesday. No bench points other than PP which is crazy. 1 off rebound. Five forced TOs that’s it. Dumb fouls. Slow it down offense. They threw away what worked all season. Philly getting way better shots too.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 1, 2026
On the other side of the spectrum, it was euphoria for the 76ers. Despite injuries and a suspension somewhat derailing their season, consecutive signature playoff victories have given them renewed hope.
Their dominance was so overwhelming that Spotrac’s Keith Smith exclaimed, “The Sixers are just having fun at the Celtics’ expense right now.”
The Sixers are just having fun at the Celtics expense right now.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 1, 2026
Philadelphia star guard Tyrese Maxey turned in a masterful 30-point outing. Meanwhile, the team received 14 points each from wing Kelly Oubre Jr. and rookie VJ Edgecombe. Embiid, in just his third game back from injury, was a difference-maker as well.
Putting up 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, he was able to control the pace of the game at will. However, a lot of love went towards a player who seemed like a bad signing all season long for the 76ers.
After getting suspended for 25 games, George entered the playoffs completely healthy, and the lack of wear and tear is showing.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor couldn’t help but be impressed, claiming, “George has been incredible on defense these last couple games. Turns 36 in two days! And still elite!”
Paul George has been incredible on defense these last couple games. Turns 36 in two days! And still elite!
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 1, 2026
The nine-time All-Star stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block, playing a major role in the 76ers’ defense suffocating Boston in the third quarter. Thursday’s win has injected major excitement into the series, with an unpredictable Game 7 deciding their fate.
After looking like a potential championship contender, the Celtics are unravelling before the NBA world’s eyes. Even if they survive and advance, a second-round series against the New York Knicks, who eliminated them last year, suddenly looks like a huge hill to climb.
On the other hand, Philadelphia has all the momentum heading into the Garden, with a prime chance to pull off a spectacular comeback and give Embiid his first series win against Boston in four tries.
