Joel Embiid Sends Message to Celtics Fans After 76ers' Round 1 Series Win
Since Joel Embiid entered the NBA a decade ago, the Boston Celtics have often been his postseason kryptonite.
He came into Saturday night just 5–13 in playoff matchups against Boston and had lost each of his previous three series with Philadelphia. That changed in Game 7, as Embiid delivered when it mattered most.
The MVP big man finished with a game-high 34 points, along with 12 rebounds and six assists, leading the 76ers to a 109–100 win to finally get over the hump. Philadelphia will now face the New York Knicks in the second round beginning next week.
After the game, Embiid also made sure to address Celtics fans following several back-and-forth moments with the TD Garden crowd throughout the night.
"ROUND 1 [check]," Embiid posted. "Boston, please be classy my friends! I still love and respect you!!"
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The 76ers trailed 3–1 in the series at one point and were just 1–18 in previous postseason series when facing that deficit, while Boston had never blown a series after taking a 3–1 lead.
However, all streaks come to an end. Philadelphia, which played the first three games without Joel Embiid as he recovered from an appendectomy, managed to claw its way back and win two of the final three games in Boston to complete the comeback.
Embiid didn't do it alone, though. Tyrese Maxey was outstanding throughout the series and finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists on Saturday night, including several clutch shots down the stretch to help seal the win.
Philadelphia will now face the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the second round at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 10:46 AM.