The No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers pulled off probably the most surprising 3–1 comebacks in NBA historical past in opposition to the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics within the first spherical, capped by a resilient 109–100 Recreation 7 victory behind a classic efficiency from Joel Embiid.
Embiid, who was clearly laboring at instances, scored a game-high 34 factors on 12-of-26 taking pictures together with 12 rebounds and 6 assists. The previous MVP additionally turned the primary participant in NBA postseason historical past to attain 100 factors in a sequence after lacking the primary three video games. It’s a becoming document for Embiid to carry contemplating his arrival in Recreation 4 was the only most vital turning level within the sequence, even when the payoff wasn’t instantaneous.
The Sixers win Recreation 7 and grow to be the 14th crew in NBA historical past to drag off a 3-1 comeback! pic.twitter.com/EW3a0Qyrjz https://t.co/zAwA956ygs
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) Could 3, 2026
Main the Comeback
His return initially gave the impression to be a futile try at salvaging a misplaced sequence for Philadelphia, as Embiid was welcomed again with a 128–96 level loss that put the crew one loss away from elimination regardless of the team-high 26 factors he tallied. The 33-point efficiency he delivered in Recreation 4 breathed life again into the 76ers as they set forth on the comeback path, and he performed the right sidekick to fellow star Tyrese Maxey by tallying 19 factors and 10 rebounds in what ended up being a pivotal Recreation 6.
JOEL EMBIID TONIGHT:
34 POINTS12 REBOUNDS6 ASSISTS
WARRIOR pic.twitter.com/44daOYEahR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) Could 3, 2026
In plenty of methods, it appears like this comeback is probably the most definitive crowning level of the post-Course of period. The Celtics had by no means blown a 3-1 lead earlier than of their storied franchise historical past, and it couldn’t be extra poetic that the crew to lastly hand them that mark was a rival that has traditionally been nearer to a bullying sufferer than an precise peer all through their historical past. Actually, Joel Embiid and firm produced the 76ers‘ first playoff sequence win over Boston since 1982, again when Dr. J and Moses Malone had been working the league.
How Will Embiid Maintain Up?
Given what the 76ers simply pulled off with Embiid again within the image, it will be considerably silly to rely them out in opposition to the New York Knicks within the second spherical beneath the presumption that Embiid is ready to make it by way of the sequence intact. The issue is, with Embiid’s damage historical past and the seen discomfort displayed at instances throughout Recreation 7, that presumption might be nearer to a prayer. It seems, he has some excellent beef with Knicks‘ massive man Karl-Anthony Cities.
No participant within the league performs by way of ache as a lot as Embiid does, however he performed in solely three video games through the first spherical. The Knicks are a far grittier and admittedly extra gifted crew prime to backside than this model of the Celtics is, and you must surprise if they’ll be capable of grind the massive fella down over the course of an extended sequence.
That powerful man act ain’t reducing it …. you already know what you’re.. you already know what you’ve all the time been>>> A PUSSY (SAY IT LOUDER FOR PEOPLE IN THE BACK) Been kicking your ass and fairly please make the playoffs earlier than you discuss. It’s a recognized factor that I OWN YOU. @KarlTowns pic.twitter.com/Izqwk3pEnM
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) October 31, 2019
As silly as it will be to rely the 76ers out of this sequence with Embiid enjoying the best way he’s, it will be equally as silly to belief that he has sufficient left in him to not solely get by way of the sequence however to get by way of it victoriously. Maxey is among the most harmful backcourt skills within the league, and he will certainly be the face of the 76ers for years to come back, however it’s nonetheless Joel Embiid’s crew whereas he’s on the court docket, and as such, they nonetheless stay and die by his efficiency when push involves shove within the postseason.
The Knicks host the 76ers for Recreation 1 of the Japanese Convention Semifinals on Monday, Could 4, at 8 p.m. ET.
