Sixers complete comeback against Jayson Tatum-less Celtics in Game 7, setting up clash with Knicks

It will be the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, courtesy of the 14th 3-1 comeback in NBA playoffs history.

The Sixers won their third straight elimination game with a 109-100 victory in Game 7 on Saturday, eliminating a Boston Celtics team that was missing star Jayson Tatum due to knee stiffness. It wasn’t easy, just like the rest of this series.

The comeback bucks NBA history in multiple directions. Before Saturday, the Celtics were 32-0 in series where they took a 3-1 lead, the most wins without a loss of any team. The Sixers were 0-18 in series where they trailed 3-1, the most losses without a win of any team.

Philadelphia is also the first No. 7 seed to beat a No. 2 seed in the East since the first round was expanded to best-of-seven in 2003. And it’s their first playoff series win since 2023.

Joel Embiid led the way in Game 7 with 34 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 turnover, while Tyrese Maxey had 30 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 turnover. They are the third duo to ever post dual 30-point, 10-rebound Game 7s on the road.

The previous pair: Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in 2002.

The Sixers-Knicks series begins on Monday.