Embiid’s 33-Point Showcase Propels 76ers Past Celtics to Force Game 6

Key Takeaways:

• Joel Embiid delivered 33 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 113-97 in Game 5 to stave off elimination
• Tyrese Maxey contributed a double-double for Philadelphia, while Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points and 16 rebounds
• The series will shift back to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Thursday night, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Saturday in Boston

Decisive Victory Keeps Philadelphia’s Playoff Hopes Alive

Just weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Joel Embiid produced a commanding performance in only his second game back, scoring 33 points to spearhead the Philadelphia 76ers’ crucial 113-97 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their first-round playoff contest. This result, achieved on Tuesday night at TD Garden, prevented the Sixers’ season from coming to an abrupt end after dropping Games 3 and 4 at home.

After a subdued start – with just two points on 1-of-6 shooting in the opening quarter – Embiid found his rhythm and asserted control, tallying 13 points in the second quarter, 10 in the third, and eight in the final frame. His impact was particularly evident during the Sixers’ pivotal 12-0 surge in the fourth quarter, transforming a slender three-point lead into a decisive 15-point advantage.

“He was dominant. Especially the second half, he was extremely dominant,” said Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, who added 25 points and 10 rebounds. “He did a really good job of just inserting himself. I was proud of him tonight, man. That’s the dominance that you go into a playoff game with: He did that.”

see you Thursday 🤝@cryptocom pic.twitter.com/pRH73YbYzf

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 29, 2026

Boston’s Missed Opportunities and Philadelphia’s Resilience

Boston’s Jaylen Brown, who notched 22 points, reflected on his team’s defensive struggles against Embiid: “I feel like he had too many easy baskets,” Brown remarked. “We’ve got to make him work. … Tonight he got a bunch of easy baskets, and I feel like that propelled him.”

Paul George supported Philadelphia’s effort with 16 points and nine rebounds. The Sixers, seeded seventh, had been on the brink after dropping both home games to trail 3-1, but displayed resilience to extend the series.

Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while Neemias Queta secured eight points and 14 boards. The Celtics, hopeful of closing the series at home, will now seek to clinch in Philadelphia during Game 6 on Thursday night. Should a seventh game be required, it will take place back in Boston on Saturday.

“No need to put any extra pressure on ourselves,” Brown commented. “There’s enough of that as it is.”

Celtics’ Season Accolades and Playoff Context

Earlier on Tuesday, Celtics president Brad Stevens secured NBA Executive of the Year honours for the second time in three seasons, having restructured the roster that captured the championship two years ago and guiding Boston to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, despite Jayson Tatum missing all but 16 regular-season contests due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Philadelphia’s return to the postseason came after missing the playoffs last year following a run of seven consecutive appearances. The Sixers clinched the No. 7 seed by defeating Orlando in a play-in fixture. Their playoff run commenced with a 32-point defeat in Game 1, followed by a win in Boston in Game 2. However, they suffered two home losses – including a further 32-point blowout in Game 4, despite Embiid’s first appearance since April 6, where he posted 26 points and 10 rebounds.

“Our fans deserve a win at home. We lost a tough one, then we got blown out of the water,” Maxey reflected. “After that performance that we put on last time in front of our fans, that was a disgrace and it was unacceptable.”

Game Flow and Statistical Summary

The Celtics surged to an 11-point lead in the second quarter, expanding their advantage to 13 early in the third. Philadelphia narrowed the deficit with a 15-3 run to make it 66-65 in Boston’s favour midway through the third period. Entering the final quarter with just a one-point gap, Paul George’s three-pointer granted Philadelphia its first lead since the opening frame.

Sam Hauser connected on a pair of three-pointers to keep Boston within reach, but a pivotal foul on Quentin Grimes as he attempted a three-pointer gave the Sixers an opportunity; Grimes’ three successful free throws ignited a 19-5 closing run to seal the victory for Philadelphia.

“We got a little rocky start there in the third,” commented Sixers coach Nick Nurse. “But then we really, really got going. And then once we closed the gap, we we’re pretty solid.”

Boston’s offence dried up in the fourth quarter, with just 10 points on 3-of-22 shooting, a stark contrast to their near-50 percent shooting over the previous three quarters.

“When you have empty possession, empty possession, and you’re not getting stops, it’s frustrating,” remarked Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.

Next Up

The Eastern Conference first-round series continues with Game 6 in Philadelphia on Thursday night. Should the Celtics and Sixers remain deadlocked, Game 7 is scheduled to return to Boston on Saturday.