The Philadelphia 76ers‘ 2025-2026 season is on life support. The run could’ve ended in Boston on Tuesday night in Game 5, which would’ve been a familiar feeling for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Instead, the Sixers kept the season alive. While that comfort will last just one day, the 76ers can feel good about what Joel Embiid put on display in a do-or-die game less than three weeks removed from an appendectomy.
Tyrese Maxey Addresses Joel Embiid’s Efforts
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“He was dominant, especially the second half,” Maxey told reporters regarding Embiid. “He was extremely dominant, and he did a really good job of just inserting himself. I was proud of him tonight. That was the type of dominance you go into a playoff game with, and he did that.”
For the second game in a row, Embiid was cleared to play for the 76ers after missing multiple weeks of action.
At first, Embiid looked to be settling for three-point shots offensively. The looks were there, but the shots weren’t falling. He finished the game 0-5 from deep.
Once Embiid got into his natural space down low, the Celtics‘ defense didn’t have an answer for him. Even after a minor injury scare, which included bumping knees with another player, Embiid couldn’t slow down.
“It was a little similar to the other night that obviously he was getting some good looks, and a lot of them were just going in and out,” Nick Nurse said of Embiid.
“I was sitting there thinking, he’s not far away here from finding some rhythm. Everybody kept encouraging him to just keep taking them. Then he got inside, some, a lot of touches inside kind of helps to get you going in general too. Obviously, he was very, very good. Give him a lot of credit. He worked very hard to get back after this procedure that he had, played a lot of minutes. I was super impressed with him on the defensive end tonight.”
The 76ers Are Heading Home For Game 6
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 26: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts with VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers after a dunk during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Xfinity Mobile Arena on February 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid finished the game with 39 minutes played.
The star center went 12-23 from the field and 9-10 from the charity stripe to score 33 points. He also dished out eight assists, came down with four rebounds, and blocked one shot.
The Sixers defeated the Celtics 113-97. They still trail in the series 2-3, but they’ll get the home-court advantage on Thursday night. If all goes right for the 76ers, they will force a Game 7 in Boston on Saturday, May 2.