The Philadelphia 76ers delivered arguably their most impressive performance of the season, defeating the Boston Celtics on the road to level their first-round playoff series 1-1, and they did it without Joel Embiid.
Facing pressure after a heavy Game 1 loss, Philadelphia responded with intensity and precision, claiming a 14-point victory that has suddenly turned the series competitive. With the next two games set in Philadelphia, momentum appears to be shifting.
“It’s the playoffs,” said Jaylen Brown. “Welcome to the playoffs. They out-competed against us.”
At the heart of the Sixers’ resurgence was the electric backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. The pair combined for 59 points, showcasing chemistry that has been building all season. Edgecombe impressed with a composed 30-point outing in just his second playoff appearance, while Maxey took over late, slicing through Boston’s defense with speed and confidence.
Maxey’s fourth-quarter brilliance proved decisive. He repeatedly knocked down crucial shots, ensuring the Celtics never regained control. His performance, nearly flawless with just one turnover in 39 minutes, further strengthens his case for All-NBA honors.
Boston, meanwhile, struggled from beyond the arc — a cornerstone of their offense. Despite generating open looks, the Celtics converted just 13 of 50 three-point attempts. Outside of Brown, consistency was hard to find, with Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard combining for an inefficient shooting night.
“I thought we got great looks,” said head coach Joe Mazzulla. “We missed them.”
In contrast, the Sixers thrived from deep, hitting 19 three-pointers at an impressive 48% clip. Maxey and Edgecombe led the charge, punishing Boston’s defensive lapses and capitalizing on the absence of Embiid, which forced Philadelphia to rely heavily on perimeter shooting.
Boston’s offensive imbalance placed added pressure on Jayson Tatum and Brown, while White’s continued struggles from long range — now 4-for-17 in the series — compounded their issues.
Game 2 served as a statement from Philadelphia: even without their star center, they possess the firepower and resilience to challenge one of the league’s top teams. With the series now tied and heading to Philadelphia, the battle is wide open — and suddenly, very real.
