Full Breakdown
76ers’ Game 5 Comeback Stuns Celtics and Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
5/1/2026, 4:34:12 PM
Core Event: A 113-97 Turnaround in Boston
Trailing by 13 points entering the fourth quarter of Game 5, the Philadelphia 76ers outscored the Boston Celtics 28-11 to win 113-97 at TD Garden. The victory forced a Game 6 in Philadelphia, cutting the Celtics’ series lead to 3-2.
Background & Context: Series State and Embiid’s Return
The Celtics led the first-round series 3-1 after dominant wins in Games 3 and 4. Center Joel Embiid missed the first three contests while recovering from an emergency appendectomy performed on April 9. He returned in Game 4, posting 26 points in a loss, and delivered a 33-point, eight-assist performance in Game 5.
Key Figures & Contributions
- Joel Embiid – 33 points (12-23 FG, 0-5 3PT), 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 block.
- Tyrese Maxey – 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists.
- Paul George – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, strong perimeter defense.
- Quentin Grimes – 18 points off the bench, four 3-pointers, notable on-ball defense.
- Nick Nurse – head coach, praised the comeback and team confidence.
- Magic Johnson – former NBA legend, issued a public apology for doubting the Sixers.
- Paul Pierce – former Celtic, warned Boston about Embiid’s impact.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: 76ers 113, Celtics 97.
- Fourth-quarter differential: 28-11.
- Celtics shot 28 % from three (11-39) in Game 5; 76ers shot 36 % from three and 50 % overall.
- Embiid’s line: 12-23 field goals, 9-10 free throws, 0-5 from three.
- Maxey recorded a double-double (25 pts, 10 reb).
- The win marked the largest road playoff comeback after trailing entering the fourth quarter in NBA history.
Why It Matters: Series Implications and Historical Note
Boston has never lost a series after leading 3-1 (32-0 all-time), while Philadelphia is 0-18 in similar deficits. Embiid’s health remains the decisive factor; his performance revived the Sixers’ chances of forcing a Game 7 and may influence discussions about his $187.9 million contract extension.
Official Statements & Responses
- Coach Nurse said the victory “gave us a ton of confidence” and emphasized the need to “go through Jo in the post” against Boston’s adjustments.
- Embiid stated he “wants to do whatever it takes to win a basketball game… I just want to play basketball and enjoy being part of a team that’s trying to accomplish something.”
- Maxey expressed pride in Embiid’s effort and reiterated that fans “deserve a win at home.”
- Magic Johnson posted an apology on X, acknowledging his premature judgment of the series.
- Paul Pierce warned the Celtics, noting “this version of Joel Embiid can cause major problems.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts continue to question Embiid’s durability, citing his extensive injury history (appendectomy, knee scare, prior meniscus and thumb surgeries). Some fans argue the Sixers lack a viable alternative when Embiid is limited, and Boston’s coaching staff has signaled plans to double-team him.
On-the-Ground Reports
All Philly reported that Boston missed 14 straight field-goal attempts in the fourth quarter while Philadelphia’s defense forced 28-11 scoring. The crowd’s energy shifted after the Sixers seized a lead early in the final period.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Embiid is listed as “probable” for Game 6; however, a brief knee scare in Game 5 generated mixed reports about his status.
- Tyrese Maxey’s right-finger tendon strain is noted as “available,” but no official clearance has been confirmed.
- No detailed medical updates have been released regarding the Celtics’ roster health.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have to apologize to the Philadelphia 76ers for thinking the Series was over after Game 4. Tonight, the 76ers beat the Celtics and were led by the dominant inside play of Joel Embiid - he had 33 points and 8 assists! He had plenty of help from Tyrese Maxey’s 25 points, Paul George’s 16 points and Quentin Grimes’ 18 points off the bench which included four 3’s! Grimes also played solid on the defensive end which helped the 76ers beat the Celtics 113-97!” — Earvin “Magic” Johnson, former NBA legend.
- “I think it gave us a ton of confidence,” — Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach.
- “I just want to play basketball, whether I’m good, physical, mentally or whatever I just want to enjoy these moments of just being a part of a basketball team that’s trying to accomplish something and that's to win every single game.” — Joel Embiid, 76ers center.
- “This version of Joel Embiid can cause major problems.” — Paul Pierce, former Celtic.
- “…He was doing [Nikola] Vucevic bad.” — Jeff Teague, former NBA guard.
- “He can be [Shaq]. Or he could be Dirk Nowitzki some days,” — Tyrese Maxey, 76ers guard.
What’s Next: Game 6 Preview
Game 6 at Xfinity Mobile Arena will feature a fully healthy Celtics roster against a Sixers lineup that lists Embiid and Maxey as probable. Boston aims to close the series, while Philadelphia must replicate the fourth-quarter intensity to force a decisive Game 7. Adjustments on both sides—Boston’s potential double-teams and Philadelphia’s reliance on Embiid’s post play—will shape the outcome.
