76ers Make NBA History With Game 7 Win Over Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers took care of business on the road on Saturday and beat the Boston Celtics in Game 7. They advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals to take on the New York Knicks in a best-of-seven series.
76ers star Joel Embiid was on a mission tonight. He led the team to a 109-100 victory with his 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists on 46.2% shooting. He had a lot of help from star guard Tyrese Maxey, who had 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe added 23 points and six rebounds on 45.5% shooting from deep.
The 76ers' Comeback From a 3-1 Deficit Became Historic
Initially, many thought the 76ers wouldn't be able to make a comeback against the Celtics. In the first four games, they were down 3-1 in the series. However, Philly won three games in a row to overcome the deficit. According to the NBA, they became the 14th team to mount a recovery after being down 3-1 in a series and win.
The league recognized the achievement and posted it on X.
"The 76ers win Game 7, become the 14th team to win a series after trailing 3-1 and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2023!" the NBA announced. "They will take on the Knicks in Round 2."
The 76ers win Game 7, become the 14th team to win a series after trailing 3-1 and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2023!
— NBA (@NBA) May 3, 2026
They will take on the Knicks in Round 2. pic.twitter.com/NypCtnE5sX
Aside from the team accomplishment, the 76ers players also eached historic feats of their own. According to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press, Embiid and Maxey became the fourth duo to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds and 6+ assists each.
They joined the duos of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) and Durant and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder).
Teammates since at least 1968 with 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, 6+ assists each in playoff game:
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) May 3, 2026
Joel Embiid/Tyrese Maxey vs Celtics tonight
Nikola Jokic/Jamal Muuray vs Heat G3 2023
Kevin Durant/Steph Curry vs Cavs G2 2017
Durant/Russell Westbrook vs Clippers G2 2014
Edgecombe, who had a great performance, also etched his name in the history books. The guard surpassed Maurice Cheeks with the most points by a 76ers rookie in a Game 7. Cheeks had 20 points in May 2, 1979 against the San Antonio Spurs.
After their win, Embiid couldn't help but be emotional after he finally won a playoff series against the Celtics. Before Saturday's contest, the 2023 MVP was 0-3 against Boston in the postseason.
"Just playing hard," Embiid said.
"It was about playing hard, I told these guys before the game… same energy, same intensity."
The postseason series between the 76ers and the Knicks will start on Monday at the Madison Square Garden.
Related: Final Injury Report for Celtics-76ers Game 6: Will Joel Embiid Play?
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 7:39 PM.