SPORTS

Embiid's 33 powers Sixers to vital Game 5 victory

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Boston — Joel Embiid scored 33 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 113-97 on Tuesday night in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, avoiding elimination and cutting Boston's lead to 3-2; the Sixers outscored the Celtics 28-11 in the fourth quarter to secure the win. The loss forces Game 6 on Thursday in Philadelphia, shifting the onus onto Boston to correct late-game offense and defensive breakdowns; Celtics leaders including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown acknowledged postgame that the team must improve its half-court execution and defensive rotations before the next matchup.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Less than three weeks before the playoffs, Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy and missed games.
Celtics recorded 24 three-pointers in Game 4, establishing a franchise playoff record and taking a 3-1 series lead.
Sixers returned to Boston for Game 5 after losing Games 3 and 4 at home.
Tuesday night Game 5: Sixers defeated Celtics 113-97; Embiid scored 33; Celtics scored 11 in the fourth.
Game 6 is scheduled Thursday in Philadelphia; if necessary, a Game 7 would return to Boston on Saturday.

Why This Matters to You

If you're a Sixers fan, this win is a morale booster. It shows the team's resilience, even after losing at home. For Celtics fans, it's a reminder that the series isn't over yet. Check the game schedule and make sure you're ready for Game 6.

The Bottom Line

Embiid's comeback from surgery to lead the Sixers to victory is a testament to his grit. The Celtics need to tighten up their game to avoid a repeat of Game 5. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good underdog story.