The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a stunning upset, eliminating the heavily favored Boston Celtics to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Joel Embiid led the charge as the 76ers knocked out the second-seeded Celtics, setting up a conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks.
In a decisive Game 7 performance, Embiid dominated on both ends of the floor, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The 76ers' defense stifled Boston's offense, holding them to just 38% shooting from the field. James Harden added 18 points and 10 assists, while Tyrese Maxey chipped in 15 points off the bench.
The Celtics, who entered the playoffs as one of the top contenders, struggled to find consistency. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 28 points, but the team's supporting cast failed to deliver in the clutch. The loss marks a disappointing end to a season that started with championship aspirations.
Philadelphia now turns its focus to the Knicks, who advanced after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. The series is expected to be a physical battle, with both teams boasting strong defensive identities. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday night in New York.