Jayson Tatum Gives Credit to Joel Embiid After Celtics-76ers Game 5
Joel Embiid stepped up big time for the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday and led the team to a 113-97 win against the Boston Celtics. It's Embiid's second game since he underwent an appendectomy. He also played with an injured knee, but his determination to keep the season alive played a major part.
Embiid had 33 points, four rebounds and eight assists. In the second half, the 2023 MVP had 18 points and helped the 76ers outscore the Celtics in the fourth quarter, 28-11. He had help from All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who had 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on 55.6%.
Embiid received praise from Celtics star Jayson Tatum after the contest.
Jayson Tatum Spoke Highly of Joel Embiid
"Give him credit, he played well," Tatum said. "He put a lot of pressure on us especially on the defensive end. We'll go back and watch the film, make some adjustments, and be ready for Game 6."
Jayson Tatum on Joel Embiid tonight:
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 29, 2026
"Give him credit, he played well. He put a lot of pressure on us especially on the defensive end. We'll go back and watch the film and make some adjustments and be ready for game six.
-@CLNSMediapic.twitter.com/etqn5SqgXi
Embiid has battled injuries to return to action. He was ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to appendicitis and had to undergo surgery. He missed the first three games of the series against the Celtics. His return gave the 76ers the life to fight back and extend their season.
Maxey also spoke highly of the Cameroonian big man, who credited his dominant offensive performance.
"He was dominant," Maxey said. "He was dominant, especially in the second half. He was extremely dominant. He did a really good job of just asserting himself. I was proud of him tonight."
In his first game back, Embiid had 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. However, that was not enough to give the 76ers a win. Head coach Nick Nurse noted that the All-Star big man had the same shots from Game 4. The only difference on Tuesday was that most of his attempts went in.
"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…I was sitting there thinking, he's not far away here from finding some rhythm."
#Sixers coach Nick Nurse on what unlocked for Joel Embiid: "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…I was sitting there thinking, he's not far away here from finding some rhythm." pic.twitter.com/1Dw8nZCwsO
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 29, 2026
The 76ers want to put up a good fight in front of their home crowd. Their performance in Game 4 was not impressive, as the team suffered a dominant 128-96 loss. On Thursday, Philly will challenge Boston and try to force a Game 7.
Related: 76ers' Tyrese Maxey Reacts to First Half Struggles Against Celtics in Game 4
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