SPORTS

Celtics overcome Sixers, take 2-1 playoff lead

PUBLISHED Apr 24, 2026, 11:32 PM ET

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PHILADELPHIA — A wave of disappointed fans poured out of Xfinity Mobile Arena after the Philadelphia 76ers lost a tightly contested Game 3 on Friday night, the outcome slipping away in the final seconds. Supporters described a thrilling contest until the last minute, with attendees criticizing officiating and late fouls as turning points. The Sixers had returned to South Philadelphia with momentum after stealing a win in Boston earlier in the week; the Celtics led much of the first half but Philadelphia battled back and kept the game close through the final buzzer. Joel Embiid missed the game while recovering from an emergency appendectomy two weeks earlier, and fans expressed hope he could return for Game 4. The night began on a celebratory note when newly drafted Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon rang the pregame bell while wearing a Tyrese Maxey jersey. Xfinity Mobile Arena is expected to be packed Saturday for the Flyers' Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at 8 p.m., and the Sixers return to the court Sunday at 7 p.m.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

About two weeks before Game 3: Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy and was sidelined.
Earlier this week: The 76ers won Game 2 in Boston to split the opening series games.
Friday night: Celtics defeated 76ers 108-100 in Game 3, with Tatum and Brown each scoring 25.
In Game 3: Boston recorded 15 offensive rebounds, which led to 22 second-chance points.
This week: Both teams prepare adjustments and rotations ahead of Game 4.

News Intelligence

The Sixers' loss may sting, but it's not over yet. Game 4 could see the return of Joel Embiid, a key player. If you're a fan, keep your eyes on the court Sunday at 7 p.m. And if you're a Flyers fan, don't forget about their game Saturday at 8 p.m.

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Who Benefited

The Boston Celtics and their role players benefited from late-game execution and second-chance points, securing a 108-100 Game 3 victory that returned home-court advantage and a 2-1 lead in the series.

Who Impacted

The Philadelphia 76ers, their fans and frontline players suffered from late-game defensive rebounding lapses and the absence of Joel Embiid, who remained out recovering from an emergency appendectomy.

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