The Boston Celtics entered their first-round 2026 NBA Playoffs matchup against the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers expecting a favorable series. Without Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined recovering from an emergency appendectomy, the Sixers lacked their dominant two-way anchor. Even at less than full strength, Embiid has long been one of the league’s most impactful players, and his absence appeared to hand the defending Eastern Conference favorites a potential cakewalk.
Yet the series has unfolded as anything but straightforward. Game 1 in Boston delivered the blowout many anticipated, but Philadelphia responded in Game 2 with a gritty road victory that stole home-court momentum and forced the Celtics to recalibrate. By Friday night’s Game 3 in Philadelphia, the matchup had evolved into a genuine slugfest.
The Celtics ultimately prevailed 108-100, regaining a 2-1 series lead and snatching a critical road win. Jayson Tatum, playing heavy minutes just under a year removed from a torn Achilles, logged 42 minutes and delivered a balanced 25 points (9-of-17 shooting, 5-of-9 from three), four rebounds, and seven assists. Jaylen Brown matched him with 25 points of his own in 40 minutes, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Their efficiency and poise helped Boston weather a hostile environment and close out the contest.
On the Sixers’ side, Tyrese Maxey carried the offensive load with a game-high 31 points, six assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Veteran forward Paul George contributed 18 points and five assists, providing steady veteran presence. Despite the loss, Philadelphia protected the ball and competed at a high level, proving they remain dangerous even shorthanded.
After the game, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla did not downplay the challenge. Speaking to reporters, he delivered a concise but telling assessment of the series in just four words that captured his true feelings: “They are pushing us.”
Mazzulla elaborated with respect and realism: “We have to push them. Usually, competition brings out the best in people. And also, we’re in two great environments. TD Garden was great. It was great to hear… Next game’s gonna be even more of a fist fight.”
His comments reflect a coach who entered the series expecting resistance but has been genuinely impressed by the fight the injury-depleted 76ers have shown. Rather than treating Philadelphia as a mere stepping stone, Mazzulla acknowledged the physicality, intensity, and home-court energy that have turned the series into a back-and-forth battle.
The Celtics are back in control of the series, but there is no sense of complacency in Boston’s locker room. Tatum has shown no lingering setbacks from his major injury, and the duo of Tatum and Brown continues to set the tone. Still, the Sixers have stolen a game and forced the Celtics to earn every possession.
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday in Philadelphia, with the series shifting back to Boston next week if necessary. For now, Mazzulla’s four-word summary—“They are pushing us”—serves as both a warning and a compliment. The 76ers, even without Embiid, are living up to the playoff mantra that no series is truly over until it is.
The Celtics will need to match that push with equal or greater force if they hope to advance cleanly. In a postseason defined by resilience, Philadelphia has already earned Mazzulla’s respect—and forced the defending contenders to treat every remaining game like the fist fight he predicted.