The Boston Celtics staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 26-point deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-110 on Sunday night in Philadelphia. Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Celtics, scoring 13 of his game-high 35 points during a pivotal fourth quarter. Tatum also contributed 11 assists and seven rebounds to his impressive performance.
In addition to Tatum’s stellar efforts, Jaylen Brown added 21 points, alongside 10 rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White also played crucial roles, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively.
For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey was a standout in the first half, scoring 23 points and finishing the game with 34 points, marking his fifth consecutive game with 30 or more points. Kelly Oubre provided support with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Guerschon Yabusele and Ricky Council IV contributed 21 and 11 points, respectively.
The 76ers had initially gained a significant advantage, leading 94-72 after a dunk by Yabusele late in the third quarter. However, the Celtics ignited a spectacular run, ultimately outscoring Philadelphia 33-6 in the early part of the fourth quarter. Notably, a three-pointer by Tatum with 6:51 remaining secured the Celtics’ lead at 101-100, a position they would not relinquish.
One key statistic highlighted the Celtics’ turnaround: they went from shooting 33.3% in the first half to an astounding 67.7% after halftime, demonstrating their resilience and capacity for improvement.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, a matchup that promises to be a defining moment in the race for the top position in the Eastern Conference.
This thrilling victory serves as a testament to the Celtics’ determination and ability to perform under pressure, instilling hope and excitement as they continue their campaign.