For the first time in franchise history, the Boston Celtics have blown a 3-1 lead in the NBA playoffs. The Celtics fell short against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 at the TD Garden on Saturday night.
Without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics relied on Jaylen Brown, who finished with 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Derrick White added 26 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the 109-100 loss.
Joel Embiid finally conquered his Game 7 demons, putting up 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to lead the Sixers. Tyrese Maxey had 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven dimes, while VJ Edgecombe added 23 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Sixers are now facing another familiar opponent, the New York Knicks, in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tyrese Maxey Makes Jayson Tatum Admission After Game 7
GettyMAY 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics watches from the bench during the third quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Celtics ruled out Jayson Tatum in Game 7 due to left knee soreness. He was initially listed as questionable before getting downgraded to out after getting diagnosed stiffness in his left knee a few hours before tip-off, as reported by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
Speaking to reporters in his postgame media availability, Tyrese Maxey shared what he told to Joel Embiid after finding out that Tatum wasn’t playing in Game 7.
“Once we found out JT was out, honestly we felt that the game was going to be even harder,” Maxey said. “We knew they were one gonna come out there free, open-minded. … We knew it was gonna be difficult. As soon as I found out I told Joel, ‘It’s not going to get easier. It’s definitely gonna be harder.’ We did a good job weathering the storms, a couple of times, we just weathered the storm. We kinda fought through adversity.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla made several changes to his starting lineup, putting in Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza and Ron Harper Jr., who all went scoreless and a combined 0-for-7 from the field.
What’s Next For The Sixers?
GettyTyrese Maxey #0, Joel Embiid #21, and VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Charlotte Hornets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 125-121.
After dispatching the Celtics in seven games, the Sixers have no time for rest. They visit Madison Square Garden on Monday for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
It will be the 11th postseason matchup against the two teams. They last faced off in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. The Knicks eliminated the Sixers in six games.
Here’s the full schedule:
- Game 1: May 4 at Madison Square Garden live on NBC and Peacock
- Game 2: May 6 at Madison Square Garden live on ESPN
- Game 3: May 8 at Xfinity Mobile Arena live on Amazon Prime
- Game 4: May 10 at Xfinity Mobile Arena live on ABC
- Game 5: May 12 at Madison Square Garden if necessary
- Game 6: May 14 at Xfinity Mobile Arena if necessary
- Game 7: May 17 at Madison Square Garden if necessary
The Knicks and Sixers split the regular-season series 2-2. All home teams won, so this matchup could be another hard-fought seven-game series.
Tyrese Maxey Makes Honest Admission About Jayson Tatum After Game 7