Game 7 has not been kind to Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Three Game 7 appearances, same result, but Embiid and the 76ers decided it was time to break the curse as they beat the Celtics 109-100 on the road.
Before Game 7, Embiid made a bold claim: “I’m tired of losing to them.” After the game, the former MVP wasted no time mocking the Celtics, who blew a 3-1 lead. He took to Instagram to share:
“ROUND 1✅
Boston, please be classy!! I still love and respect you!”
The post included 11 photos.The most notable one showed him mimicking the iconic LeBron James 3-1 meme look. Another photo featured Jayson Tatum celebrating a Celtics win, while Embiid was in street clothes staring at him as he missed first three games of the series due to appendicitis surgery.
It’s fair to suggest that Embiid has quite a bit of experience with Boston, going 0-3 in playoff series against them over his 12-year NBA career. But at least he finally got one, so now that tired narrative can finally die.
Joel Embiid the Difference Maker as 76ers Edge Celtics in Winner-Take-All Game
The first round was an incredible, back-and-forth battle. The Celtics won Games 1, 3, and 4 behind the performances of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. It seemed as though Boston was in control of the series, but the 76ers were able to take Games 5 and 6, setting up a tense Game 7 at TD Garden. Joel Embiid’s return completely changed the series. He averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in Games 4, 5, and 6.
The nerves heading into Boston for Game 7 couldn’t have been any higher. Embiid and the 76ers came out with their hair on fire. The 32-year-old delivered when it mattered most, finishing with a double-double of 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. He went 5-for-10 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Paul George also provided a timely veteran moment. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe helped keep Philadelphia alive during late stretches of the game. There were moments where it could’ve gone the other way. It has in the past. This time, it didn’t.
The 76ers are just the 14th team in NBA history to win a Game 7 after trailing 3-1. Now they turn their attention to a second-round showdown with the New York Knicks.
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