Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics looked like they were getting a cakewalk with the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
That’s not to say the Celtics were taking the seventh-seeded Sixers lightly. Clearly, the respect was there.
But without Joel Embiid, the Sixers are missing a dynamic two-way presence. Even at less than 100%, Embiid can be one of the best players in the game.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Game 1 looked like the series was shaping up to be a sweep in favor of the Celtics. Game 2 proved that to be the wrong mindset, as the Sixers stole a win on the road in Boston.
On Friday night, the 76ers hosted the Celtics for Game 3. By the end of the competition, Mazzulla made his thoughts on the series clear: The Sixers are putting up one respectable fight while shorthanded.
Joe Mazzulla Speaks His Mind After Game 3 vs Sixers
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 08: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on March 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
via Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes: Joe Mazzulla on a Celtics-Sixers series that has been a slugfest so far: “They are pushing us. We have to push them. Usually, competition brings out the best in people. And also, we’re in two great environments. TD Garden was great. It was great to hear…Next game’s gonna be even more of a fist fight.”
The Celtics rolled out Jayson Tatum for 42 minutes. There haven’t been any setbacks for the superstar forward, who suffered a torn Achilles under one year ago.
Tatum went on the road in Philadelphia and showed out against the away crowd. He shot 9-17 from the field and hit on 5-9 shots from three. Tatum finished the game with 25 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.
The star forward Jaylen Brown checked in for 40 minutes and contributed 25 points as well. Brown added seven rebounds and four assists to his line.
On the Sixers’ side, Tyrese Maxey accounted for 31 points. He dished out six assists, while coming down with four rebounds, blocking two shots, and snatching up a steal.
Philly’s veteran forward Paul George contributed 18 points and dished out five assists.
While the Sixers put together another slugfest with the Celtics, they couldn’t protect their home court. The Celtics took Game 3 with a 108-100 loss. The Celtics might be back in control, but they aren’t getting too comfortable.
In the absence of Embiid, the 76ers are proving to be a true threat in the series. Game 4 will take place on Saturday, before the series returns to Boston next week.