Embiid’s Return Sparks 76ers Victory in Game 5, Keeping Series Alive

At TD Garden, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 113-97 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Joel Embiid, back after an emergency appendectomy, scored 33 points on 12-of-23 shooting, added eight assists and four rebounds in 39 minutes. Tyrese Maxey contributed 25 points and 10 rebounds. The win narrowed Boston’s series lead to 3-2.

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Embiid missed two and a half weeks for an appendectomy and returned in Game 4, scoring 26 points in a loss. Media have questioned his durability, calling him “lazy” when not fully fit. The win keeps Philadelphia alive after Boston held a 3-1 lead.

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Philadelphia outscored Boston 63-40 after halftime and dominated the fourth quarter 28-11. Boston managed only 11 points in the final period, shooting 3-for-22 overall and missing their last 14 attempts, the longest playoff close-out miss streak since 2005. Embiid’s shot distance fell from 16.5 ft in the first half to 9.3 ft in the second, and he took no three-pointers after the break.

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Nurse said the emphasis was defensive intensity that limited Boston’s three-point attempts. Mazzulla noted the Celtics “got some good looks” but “weren’t able to capitalize.” Embiid praised the adjustment, saying the team avoided “over-helping.” Tatum gave credit to Philadelphia while noting missed shots increase defensive pressure. Pritchard said the squad must improve its home performance to match its road success.

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Commentators have repeatedly suggested Embiid’s injury history reflects poor conditioning, calling him “lazy” when he is not at full strength. Embiid rejected that framing, stating he does not complain and wants to give his all each time he steps onto the floor.

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One account records Boston missing its final 14 shots, while another notes a 16-shot miss streak, indicating a discrepancy in the exact length of the Celtics’ shooting collapse.

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The win restores balance, giving Philadelphia a chance to force a Game 7 if it captures Game 6. Boston must adjust interior defense and improve three-point shooting to avoid another collapse.

Heavy

Game 6 is set for Thursday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Both teams are expected to focus on defensive adjustments and rebounding as the series heads toward a potential decisive Game 7.

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• “I thought defensively we did a much better job, especially not overhelping as we did last game.” — Joel Embiid, 76ers center

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• “First of all, give them credit,” — Jayson Tatum, Celtics forward

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• “I just want to give as much as I can every single time I step on the floor.” — Joel Embiid, 76ers center

Joel Embiid Opens Up On Injuries, Criticism, And The “Lazy” Narrative

• “We're going to have to figure that out. Can't really put my finger on it, but honestly, it feels like we've been better on the road. We don't want that to necessarily be the case. We want to be dominant at home and on the road. Definitely gotta get that fixed.” — Payton Pritchard, Celtics guard

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