Joel Embiid, 76ers Stun Celtics in Game 5

The Philadelphia 76ers trailed in the 2023 NBA Playoffs for the first time following a Game 3 loss to the Boston Celtics last Friday.

The timing of the loss was unfortunate, considering the Sixers’ superstar center Joel Embiid was presented with his first MVP trophy prior to the game.

The Celtics found motivation in seeing Embiid delay the Friday night tip-off to receive his award. From the start of Game 3 until the finish, the Celtics controlled the matchup. After putting the Sixers away, Boston went up 2-1 in the series.

Philly’s urgency was at an all-time high on Sunday as the Sixers and the Celtics met for Game 4.

Knowing they couldn’t go back to Boston down 1-3, the Sixers wouldn’t go out with a loss over the weekend, as they forced overtime and collected a one-point victory.

With the series tied 2-2, the Sixers and the Celtics met for Game 5 in Boston on Tuesday night. With a massive opportunity to take a series lead before heading back to Philly in front of them, the Sixers were ready for a fight on Tuesday.

Through the first quarter of action, the Sixers made a statement. Knocking down 52 percent of their shots from the field, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 33-26 in the first quarter. As the Sixers knew they had to win the possession game, they made a statement in the first 12 minutes by outrebounding the Celtics 14-8.

In the second quarter, the Sixers were out in front by as many as 15 points. The Celtics weren’t going down without a fight and held the Sixers to just 36 percent from the field in the quarter. However, the Sixers managed to maintain a nice cushion heading into halftime with a 58-49 lead.

The third quarter would become key for the 76ers, who had a significant opportunity in front of them. Philadelphia kept its foot on the gas. With a combined 22-point effort from Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey in the third quarter, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 30-23 before heading into the fourth quarter.

At that point, it was clear the Sixers were in total control of the matchup, and the Celtics simply didn’t have an answer on either end of the floor.

Soon, the Celtics would search deep for a spark off their bench, while the Sixers allowed their star big man to end his night early. Embiid checked out of the game after 37 minutes. During that time, he scored a team-high of 33 points while also coming down with seven rebounds, dishing out three assists, and blocking four shots.

Along with Embiid, the Sixers got a notable scoring punch from Tyrese Maxey, who hit on six of his threes and produced 30 points. Tobias Harris and James Harden each collected double-doubles. Harden achieved his with 17 points and ten assists. Meanwhile, Harris scored 16 points on 70 percent shooting while coming down with 11 rebounds.

The Sixers stunned the Celtics with a 115-103 win in Game 5 on Tuesday. With that victory, the Sixers advance to 3-2 in the series. The two teams will meet on Thursday for Game 6, in what now becomes an elimination matchup for the Celtics.