Tyrese Maxey Scores 30 as Sixers Erase 3,1 Series Deficit to Force Game 7 Against Celtics

Philadelphia erases a 3-1 deficit to tie the series with Boston. Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers with 30 points to force a Game 7 at TD Garden.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 12:56 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from L'Équipe and Philadelphia Inquirer.

Philadelphia Completes Improbable Comeback to Force Decider

The Philadelphia 76ers have successfully forced a winner take all Game 7 after trailing the Boston Celtics 3,1 earlier in the week. Tyrese Maxey served as the primary engine for the Philadelphia offense on Friday, scoring 30 points and consistently pressuring the Boston defense in transition. This victory marks a significant shift in momentum for the Sixers, who have found the necessary grit to stave off elimination twice in a row. The teams are now scheduled for a Saturday showdown at TD Garden in Boston, where the winner will advance to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Defensive Intensity Shifts Momentum in the Third Quarter

The contest was largely decided in a pivotal third quarter where the Sixers’ defensive pressure reached its peak. According to head coach Nick Nurse, the increased physicality on the perimeter was essential in disrupting Boston’s offensive rhythm. Paul George played a critical role in this stretch, stifling Jayson Tatum defensively while contributing 23 points on the other end. Philadelphia used a 13,3 run during this period to transform a narrow lead into a double digit advantage, effectively capitalizing on a series of Boston turnovers that led to high energy fast break finishes.

Sixers Starters Provide Comprehensive Support for Maxey

While Maxey led the scoring, Philadelphia’s success was built on a balanced effort from the entire starting unit. Joel Embiid flirted with a triple double, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, despite shooting 6 for 18 from the floor. Embiid’s playmaking was particularly effective when drawing double teams in the post, as he found teammates like Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe for open cuts and perimeter looks. This multifaceted attack proved too difficult for the Celtics to contain, especially as Philadelphia’s bench contributed timely defensive stops to maintain the lead throughout the fourth quarter.