The Sixers Made Plenty of History

It’s the first time the 76ers have won a series after falling behind 3-1, and the first time the Celtics have lost a series after being up 3-1. Additionally, the 76ers have historically struggled at Boston in the playoffs. Before Game 5, they were 3-17 in 20 road games against the Celtics since the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals, the last series they beat them in. Now, they’ve won three straight playoffs games in Beantown, a first not just against the Celtics but in postseason history for the Sixers. Philadelphia hadn’t won a Game 7 anywhere since 2001, when they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 108-91 at home. They hadn’t won a Game 7 on the road since the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals at Boston Garden by a final score of 120-106. Before Saturday, the Sixers were 1-10 in road Game 7s. Joel Embiid is the second player in NBA history to average 28 points, 12 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in a playoff series. The only other player to do that was Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Bucks’ 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals, also against the Celtics. Tyrese Maxey became the first 76er with back-to-back postseason games against Boston with 30 points and five assists. He joins elite company in that achievement, including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, and Oscar Robertson. Thank you, Mike Muscala.