Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey Make NBA History in 76ers' Win Over Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers overcame a 3–1 deficit against the Boston Celtics to force a win-or-go-home Game 7 on Saturday night, and behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, they secured a 109–100 victory to advance to the second round.

Embiid finished with a game-high 34 points, along with 12 rebounds and six assists, while Maxey followed with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

After the game, it was revealed that the star duo made NBA history with their performances at TD Garden.

According to ESPN research producer Matt Williams and reporter Tim Bontemps, Embiid and Maxey became the first teammates in NBA history to each record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a Game 7.

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Embiid missed the first three games of the series while recovering from an appendectomy he underwent less than three weeks ago, but his return gave the 76ers a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor as they rallied off three straight wins.

The Celtics had been 32–0 in franchise history when holding a 3–1 series lead and had defeated Philadelphia in three previous postseason matchups, all of which included Embiid.

This time, though, Boston had no answer for the combination of Embiid and Maxey. The 76ers also received a major contribution from rookie VJ Edgecombe, who finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Now, Philadelphia will quickly turn its focus to Game 1 of the second round, with a matchup against the New York Knicks set for Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 10:46 AM.