Embiid breaks the Celtics curse: “We’re not done yet”

There are wins worth more than simply advancing to the next round. The one earned by the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics belongs in that category. A 109-100 victory that sends them to the Conference Semifinals – but more importantly, ends a 44-year nightmare.

Philadelphia had not beaten Boston in a playoff series since 1982. Since then, six straight postseason eliminations had followed. This time, however, the Sixers flipped the script, completing an incredible comeback from a 3-1 deficit and becoming just the 14th team in NBA history to do it.

Joel Embiid dominates and gets his revenge

In the biggest moment of the season, Joel Embiid delivered like an MVP. The Sixers center finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, producing one of the best playoff performances of his career.

Winning always feels good. We have bigger goals ahead, but finally beating those guys is definitely satisfying

Joel Embiid

Embiid then added a jab at Boston with the smile of someone who knew exactly what he was doing:

It also helped that their No. 11 said he didn’t care whether I played or not, and that they didn’t even prepare a specific plan for me. I’d say it helps when the other team doesn’t worry about you

Joel Embiid

Embiid was referring to comments made by Payton Pritchard on April 27, when the Celtics guard spoke about Embiid’s late availability before Game 4.

We made a small adjustment before the game, but honestly we didn’t really talk about it

Payton Pritchard

Embiid reassures everyone: “I feel great”

One of the biggest storylines in recent weeks had naturally been the physical condition of the Cameroonian star. After the game, Embiid brushed away all concerns with his usual sense of humor:

I feel great. I feel amazing. I was faking it

Joel Embiid

A joke, of course – but also a sign of a player who appears to have regained his sharpness at the most important point of the postseason.

The 76ers finally broke the curse

For years, Boston had been the wall Philadelphia could not climb. This time, the Sixers found a way through it – with Embiid’s talent, Tyrese Maxey’s growth, and the confidence of a team that now knows it can truly compete.

The past has finally been buried. Now, another rivalry awaits – and the Philadelphia 76ers have no intention of stopping here.

Tyrese Maxey, the perfect co-star

Alongside Embiid, once again, was an outstanding Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia’s No. 0 finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, making the difference especially in the closing minutes.

Together, Embiid and Maxey made more history: they became the first teammates in NBA history to each record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a Game 7.

When Boston had cut the lead to just one point in the fourth quarter, Maxey answered with two straight drives that effectively ended the Celtics’ comeback hopes.

Boston falls after leading 3-1

The numbers make the achievement even more remarkable. Before this series, Philadelphia had lost all 18 playoff series in which it trailed 3-1. Boston, meanwhile, had never blown such a lead: 32 wins, zero losses.

Until tonight.

The absence of Jayson Tatum, sidelined by soreness in his left knee, certainly mattered. But it takes nothing away from a Philadelphia team that managed the biggest moments of the game and survived Boston’s late fourth-quarter push.

Now the Knicks: Embiid calls on Philadelphia fans

Now another rivalry loaded with history begins: the showdown with the New York Knicks. And Embiid already had a clear message for the Philadelphia crowd.

I’ve got a message for our fans. The last time we played the Knicks, it felt like Madison Square Garden even in our own building. We’ll need your support. Don’t sell your tickets

Joel Embiid

Then, in classic Embiid fashion, he added:

This is bigger than you… and if you need money, I got you

Joel Embiid

A playful message – but one with a serious meaning: Philadelphia will need the energy of its home crowd to keep dreaming.