Celtics vs 76ers Recap: Sixers Rally Forces Game 7

The Philadelphia 76ers turned up the heat when it mattered most, pulling away from the Boston Celtics in the second half to force a decisive Game 7. After a tight first quarter, the Sixers exploded in the second period, building a nine-point halftime lead. By the third quarter, Philadelphia had stretched their advantage to 19 points, completely controlling the tempo and forcing Boston into difficult shots. Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 30 points, showing off his versatility by scoring from everywhere on the court. Paul George added 23 solid points, while Joel Embiid contributed 19 points and eight assists despite managing his minutes carefully. The Celtics simply couldn't keep pace, with Jaylen Brown managing just 18 points on an off shooting night.

The Celtics came into Game 6 hoping to clinch the series, but Boston's offense stalled when it needed to fire. Jayson Tatum returned from injury but appeared rusty, finishing with 17 points on decent shooting while collecting 11 rebounds. The problem wasn't one player—it was a team-wide offensive drought that worsened as the game progressed. By the fourth quarter, Boston trailed by double digits and couldn't generate enough scoring to threaten Philadelphia's lead. Payton Pritchard tried to spark the offense off the bench with 14 points and five assists, but his efforts weren't enough. The Celtics shot under 42 percent from the field and couldn't get into any rhythm against the Sixers' suffocating defense.

This playoff matchup has become a genuine battle, with both teams showing why they belong on the biggest stage. The 76ers proved they can execute when pressure peaks, while the Celtics demonstrated resilience even when falling behind. Maxey's elite scoring touch kept Philadelphia in control throughout, connecting on shots from all over the court with remarkable consistency. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. was a force on the boards for the Sixers, grabbing nine rebounds and playing lockdown defense. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia's young rookie, contributed 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench, showing he can handle playoff intensity. With the series knotted at three wins apiece, everything comes down to one final game where only one team advances.