Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid rose swiftly from a pregame tumble and delivered a stellar performance on Wednesday, scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. He showcased his shooting prowess by making 4 of 5 shots from beyond the arc and sealed the victory with a pair of clutch free throws with just 3 seconds remaining to stave off Boston’s late surge. The 76ers emerged triumphant with a 118-114 win, thanks to the heroics of Embiid and his teammates.
Tyrese Maxey shone brightly for Philadelphia, contributing 33 points and dishing out 12 assists. He displayed his scoring touch in the crucial moments of the game, notching 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a timely layup that extended the Sixers’ lead to seven points with less than a minute to play. Caleb Martin also made a significant impact, scoring 23 points while connecting on 7 of 9 attempts from long range.
On the opposing side, Jayson Tatum led the charge for Boston with 32 points and 15 rebounds, followed by Jaylen Brown with 23 points and Derrick White with 21. The Celtics added a festive touch to their attire by sporting red socks and leggings along with their customary green jerseys to infuse some Christmas spirit into the game.
Unfortunately for the Celtics, their center Kristaps Porzingis, who has been plagued by injuries this season, was sidelined for the second half due to an ankle issue. His absence further hindered Boston’s efforts to overcome the resilient 76ers.
The matchup showcased a key moment when Embiid, despite suffering an ankle scare in warmups, displayed remarkable grit and determination. Playing with a protective mask due to a sinus fracture, Embiid persevered through discomfort and delivered crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the victory for Philadelphia.
The Celtics faced a daunting 16-point deficit, trailing 52-36 in the third quarter, marking their largest home deficit of the season. Despite their valiant efforts to mount a comeback, they ultimately fell short against a determined Sixers squad.
Looking ahead, the 76ers will continue their road trip with a visit to Utah on Saturday, aiming to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, the Celtics will regroup as they prepare to host Indiana for back-to-back games on Friday and Sunday.
The game was a testament to the resilience and skill of both teams, with Philadelphia emerging victorious in a hard-fought battle that showcased the talents of Embiid, Maxey, and their teammates. Boston, despite the setback, displayed tenacity and competitive spirit, setting the stage for future matchups between these Eastern Conference contenders.
