Franked by a late surge, Tyrese Maxey Leads the 76ers Past the Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a hard-fought 102-100 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, with Tyrese Maxey stepping up in a big way as Joel Embiid sat out due to injury. The game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds, as Maxey, James Harden support and a clutch late putback from Kelly Oubre Jr. sealed the win in front of a grateful home crowd.
Embiid’s Absence Sparks a Team Effort
Joel Embiid was ruled out ahead of tip-off with a right knee issue, leaving Philadelphia to navigate the absence of their perennial MVP candidate. The 76ers leaned on a balanced attack and disciplined defense to weather Boston’s challenge. Embiid’s absence put the spotlight on Maxey, who answered with an all-around performance that showcased his improving floor vision, scoring, and willingness to take on tougher assignments on the defensive end.
Maxey Delivers in a High-Intesity Contest
Maxey finished with a performance that reflected his growth as a lead guard capable of generating offense without relying solely on Embiid. He attacked gaps against Boston’s switching schemes, found open teammates, and did not shrink from late-game pressure. His energetic play helped Philadelphia stay within striking distance as the Celtics swapped baskets in a tightly contested fourth quarter.
Key Moments That Defined the Night
A pair of clutch decisions from Maxey in the third and fourth quarters helped the 76ers keep pace. His ability to push the pace when the Celtics slowed the game down created valuable opportunities for second-chance possessions and timely buckets. The freshman-like poise that’s become a hallmark of his development allowed him to make several decisive plays in crunch time.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
With Embiid sidelined, Philadelphia’s supporting cast stepped forward. Harden orchestrated the offense with crisp ball movement and timely shot-making. P.J. Tucker brought veteran savvy on the floor and contributed key defensive stops. And Kelly Oubre Jr., who finished with the memorable putback that sealed the game, added energy and timely scoring, proving the team’s depth is more than enough to navigate a star’s absence.
Defense Stands Tall in Crunch Time
Defensively, the 76ers tightened the screws in the late minutes, contesting shots and forcing a few critical turnovers. Russell Westbrook-style pressure from the team’s guards, combined with a larger commitment to on-ball denial, turned the final minutes into a defensive showcase that complemented Maxey’s late-game heroics.
What This Win Means Ahead of the Schedule
Philadelphia’s ability to close out a tight game without Embiid signals the resilience of the roster and the compatibility of its pieces in high-leverage moments. For Celtics fans, the loss underscored how quickly a game can swing when star players are unavailable, even as Boston received strong performances from Jaylen Brown and others. The result keeps the 76ers in the thick of the playoff race and provides a blueprint for how they’ll navigate potential line-up changes as the season progresses.
Looking Forward
As Embiid recovers, the 76ers will aim to build on this win by refining their late-game execution and sustaining the defensive intensity that surfaced in clutch moments. If Maxey continues to develop into a lead guard capable of generating offense under pressure, Philadelphia could position itself as a formidable threat in the Eastern Conference even when their star center is sidelined.
