Joel Embiid’s 33-Point Performance Leads 76ers to Crucial Victory Over Celtics
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Trendon Watford (12) after the game against the Boston Celtics in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers refused to go quietly into the offseason. Behind Joel Embiid‘s commanding 33-point performance and a suffocating fourth-quarter defensive effort, Philadelphia dismantled the Boston Celtics 113-97 on Tuesday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive and forcing a Game 6 back home.
Down 3-2 in the NBA Eastern Conference first-round series, the 76ers delivered their most complete performance when elimination loomed largest. Embiid, playing just his second game since returning from an emergency appendectomy on April 9th, found his rhythm when it mattered most, scoring 18 of his points in the second half while adding eight assists.
Embiid’s Paint Dominance Shifts Series Momentum
The turning point came with Embiid‘s strategic shot selection adjustment. After struggling with outside shots early, the Cameroonian center attacked the paint relentlessly in the second half, reducing his average shot distance from 16.5 feet in the first half to just 9.3 feet after halftime.
« I think you got to find the right mix, » Embiid explained. « To start the game, it was a little bit more of outside than in. And then in the second half, it was both. But then again, inside, I feel pretty good about my chances of going one-on-one against anybody in this league, and I don’t think that I can be stopped. »
Tyrese Maxey provided crucial support with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while the 76ers’ defense completely stifled Boston in the final quarter. The Celtics managed just 11 points on 3-for-22 shooting in the fourth quarter, including a dismal 1-for-14 from 2-point range. Their 14 consecutive misses to close the game marked the longest such streak in playoff history since 2005.
Celtics’ Home Struggles Continue
Boston’s offensive collapse highlighted a troubling trend for the Celtics at home during the playoffs. Since the start of the 2023 playoffs, Boston is 19-12 in home games compared to 17-7 on the road, with particular struggles when shooting poorly from beyond the arc.
« I don’t know, » said Payton Pritchard when asked about the home-road disparity. « We’re going to have to figure that out. Can’t really put my finger on it, but honestly, it feels like we’ve been better on the road. »
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 24 points and 16 rebounds, acknowledging Philadelphia’s effort: « First of all, give them credit. They played well. And yeah, a few looks that we felt good about that we just didn’t make. »
The series now returns to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Thursday, with the 76ers needing to extend their season once more to force a decisive Game 7 back in Boston. As Maxey noted, « It’ll take everything we’ve got. It’ll take even more of an effort than it did tonight. »
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