Joel Embiid stars as Sixers stun Celtics to stay alive in series

Joel Embiid delivered a dominant performance with 33 points and eight assists to help the Philadelphia 76ers stay alive in their playoff series, defeating the Boston Celtics 113-97 in Game 5 on Tuesday. Returning after missing the first three games due to an appendectomy, Embiid showed resilience despite a brief injury scare. He headed to the locker room late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a knee issue but made a quick comeback, rejoining the action before the period ended.


Tyrese Maxey played a key supporting role with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Paul George contributed across the board with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The seventh-seeded Sixers turned the game around in the final quarter, outscoring Boston 28-11 after trailing by one heading into the fourth.


For Boston, Jayson Tatum led the effort with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 22 points. Neemias Queta chipped in with eight points and 14 rebounds, but the Celtics struggled offensively, shooting just 36-of-89 from the field.


Boston had control early, taking a 57-50 lead into halftime and stretching the margin to 13 early in the third quarter. However, Philadelphia fought back, cutting the deficit and keeping the game tight at 86-85 by the end of the third.


The Sixers took charge in the final period, with George hitting a crucial three-pointer to give them the lead. A late three from VJ Edgecombe sealed the result, pushing the advantage to double digits in the closing minutes.

With the win, Philadelphia forces a Game 6, which will be played Thursday night on their home floor, keeping their playoff hopes alive.