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Celtics Crush 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 Without Embiid

4/20/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Celtics Dominate 76ers

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1, with Jaylen Brown scoring 26 and Jayson Tatum 25.
The Philadelphia 76ers played without Joel Embiid, who is recovering from an appendectomy, and shot 4-for-23 from three-point range.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 21 points as the team faced defensive lapses and turnovers.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse called the effort "unacceptable" as they prepare for Game 2 on Tuesday.

Summary

Nurse Urges Improvement

The Sixers lost 123-91 to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 as their defense faltered.
Coach Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers) started Adem Bona, who quickly fell into foul trouble.
Andre Drummond's night included a technical foul and poor decision-making.
Tyrese Maxey scored 21 points, the team's lone bright spot.
Nurse emphasized the need for better play ahead of Game 2.

History

Historical Context

The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have a storied rivalry in the NBA, dating back to the 1960s. In 1981, the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, overcame a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the 76ers 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals. This victory marked the Celtics' return to prominence, culminating in their championship win against the Houston Rockets later that year.

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Celtics Dominate 76ers

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1, with Jaylen Brown scoring 26 and Jayson Tatum 25.
The Philadelphia 76ers played without Joel Embiid, who is recovering from an appendectomy, and shot 4-for-23 from three-point range.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 21 points as the team faced defensive lapses and turnovers.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse called the effort "unacceptable" as they prepare for Game 2 on Tuesday.

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