Celtics Edge 76ers In Overtime Thriller To Take Series Lead
Celtics Edge 76ers In Overtime Thriller To Take Series Lead...
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 112-109 in overtime Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Jayson Tatum scored 36 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute of OT, as the Celtics survived Joel Embiid's 42-point performance at TD Garden.
The game is trending nationally as one of the most dramatic NBA playoff matchups this season. Social media erupted over Embiid's dominant fourth quarter and Tatum's late-game heroics, with the matchup drawing comparisons to the historic Celtics-76ers rivalry of the 1980s.
Philadelphia nearly stole the game when Tyrese Maxey hit a tying three-pointer with 8.1 seconds left in regulation. But Boston's defense clamped down in overtime, holding the 76ers scoreless for the final 2:18. The Celtics improved to 5-0 at home this postseason.
NBA fans are particularly focused on Embiid's health after the MVP candidate appeared to favor his right knee late in the game. The 76ers listed him as questionable for Sunday's Game 4 with what the team called "routine soreness."
The series continues Sunday afternoon in Boston (3:30 PM ET, ABC). A Celtics win would put Philadelphia on the brink of elimination, while a 76ers victory would guarantee the series returns to Philadelphia for Game 5.
Friday's thriller drew the highest TV ratings of any NBA playoff game this season outside of the Warriors-Lakers series. The matchup trended nationwide as fans debated officiating decisions, including a controversial no-call on Marcus Smart's defense against Embiid in the final seconds.
Both teams made key adjustments from their previous meetings. Boston started Robert Williams III to counter Embiid's size, while Philadelphia deployed more small-ball lineups with P.J. Tucker at center. The chess match between coaches Joe Mazzulla and Doc Rivers has become a subplot of the series.
With the NBA playoffs heating up, this historic rivalry has captured national attention. The winner of this series will likely face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, adding higher stakes to Sunday's pivotal Game 4.
