76ers Eliminate Boston From NBA Play-Offs

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey inspired the Philadelphia 76ers to victory in their series decider against the Boston Celtics as they knocked their rivals out of the NBA play-offs and set up an Eastern Conference semi-final against the New York Knicks.

The 76ers, who came back from 3-1 down in the best-of seven series to force a deciding match, won 109-100 on the road to eliminate the 2023-24 NBA champions.

Embiid contributed 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, while team-mate Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points and registered 11 rebounds and seven assists as Philadelphia became only the 14th team to win a series after going 3-1 down, achieving the feat for the first time in their history.

The 76ers also beat the Celtics in the play-offs for the first time since 1982, having lost their last six series to Boston.

Boston were 99-98 behind following two Neemias Queta free throws before Maxey scored eight unanswered points to give his side a 107-98 lead with 15 seconds left.

Embiid had returned for the last four games of the series after an emergency appendectomy had ruled him out since 6 April.

Boston star Jayson Tatum missed the decider because of a left knee issue, with Jaylen Brown top scoring for them with 33 points.