Embiid's 33 powers Sixers to vital Game 5 victory
Tap title to read story
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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Less than three weeks before the playoffs, Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy and missed games.
- 2. Celtics recorded 24 three-pointers in Game 4, establishing a franchise playoff record and taking a 3-1 series lead.
- 3. Sixers returned to Boston for Game 5 after losing Games 3 and 4 at home.
- 4. Tuesday night Game 5: Sixers defeated Celtics 113-97; Embiid scored 33; Celtics scored 11 in the fourth.
- 5. Game 6 is scheduled Thursday in Philadelphia; if necessary, a Game 7 would return to Boston on Saturday.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
