SPORTS

Embiid's 33 powers Sixers to vital Game 5 victory

PUBLISHED Apr 29, 2026, 12:28 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 100%

Sources: 8

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.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

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.

News Intelligence

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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid benefited from Game 5's 113-97 victory, which avoided elimination and shifted momentum ahead of Game 6 in Philadelphia.

Who Impacted

The Boston Celtics suffered from a 28-11 fourth-quarter collapse that eroded their 3-1 advantage, exposing late-game offensive and defensive failures that now put them under pressure for Game 6.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid benefited from Game 5's 113-97 victory, which avoided elimination and shifted momentum ahead of Game 6 in Philadelphia.

Who Impacted

The Boston Celtics suffered from a 28-11 fourth-quarter collapse that eroded their 3-1 advantage, exposing late-game offensive and defensive failures that now put them under pressure for Game 6.