Key Takeaways:
- V.J. Edgecombe recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds despite injury
- Tyrese Maxey contributed 29 points and nine assists as Philadelphia won 111-97 to even the series at 1-1
- The first-round playoff series will continue in Philadelphia with Game 3 on Friday
Edgecombe’s Standout Performance Propels 76ers
V.J. Edgecombe delivered a remarkable showing at TD Garden, tallying 30 points and 10 rebounds while battling through visible pain after an early back injury. Undeterred, Edgecombe drained six of Philadelphia’s 19 three-pointers, becoming the first rookie since Tim Duncan on 5 May 1998 to achieve a 30-point, 10-rebound playoff effort. Tyrese Maxey played a key supporting role, adding 29 points and nine assists, as the 76ers rebounded from a heavy 123-91 defeat in Game 1.
Following his performance, Edgecombe remarked, “I think we knew where the shots were going to come from. We kept trusting each other. Everyone can make a play on the court. … They wanted me to shoot the ball.”
he’s that guy. pic.twitter.com/YHxWRi5sD6
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 22, 2026
Game Flow and Key Moments
The Celtics reduced the 76ers’ advantage to just two points at 91-89 early in the fourth quarter, but Philadelphia responded decisively with an 11-0 surge, re-establishing a commanding 102-89 lead with just over four minutes remaining. Boston emptied its bench with just over a minute to play, conceding the result.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 36 points, while Jayson Tatum added 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. Speaking about Edgecombe, Brown said, “I thought Edgecombe was just too comfortable. He’s a rookie, but he can play. We’ve got to be better on him.”
Despite playing through injury and visiting the locker room during both the first and third quarters, Edgecombe returned each time and maintained his scoring touch, helping Philadelphia establish a third-quarter lead of up to 13 points. The 76ers remained without Joel Embiid, who is continuing a strength and conditioning programme after his appendectomy on 9 April.
Shooting and Turnover Statistics
Philadelphia vastly improved their offensive efficiency, converting 47.8% from the field and going 19-39 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Boston shot just 39.3% and connected on 13 of 47 three-point attempts. The Celtics also committed 11 turnovers, which gave up 16 points to the 76ers.
| Team | Final Score | Top Scorer | 3-Point Made | Field Goal % | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | 111 | Edgecombe (30) | 19/39 | 47.8% | 7 |
| Boston Celtics | 97 | Brown (36) | 13/47 | 39.3% | 11 |
Intensity and Incident Analysis
The contest was fiercely competitive throughout, reaching its peak in the opening minutes when Jaylen Brown received a technical foul after a forceful one-handed dunk over Adem Bona, which resulted in Bona crashing to the floor. Brown’s momentum led to contact with Bona, but referee Marc Davis adjudged the interaction to warrant a technical.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will prepare for Game 3, which is scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
