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Multiple Sixers sound off on forcing Game 7 matchup vs. Celtics
TL;DR
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Boston Celtics in a decisive Game 7 after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. Joel Embiid emphasizes the importance of this opportunity to eliminate their rivals in the playoffs for the first time since 1982.
Key points
- 76ers prepare for Game 7 against Celtics
- Sixers overcame a 3-1 series deficit
- Joel Embiid emphasizes the importance of the matchup
- Last playoff elimination of Celtics by Sixers was in 1982
- Embiid has faced multiple playoff losses to Boston
Philadelphia 76ersBoston CelticsJoel EmbiidJayson Tatum
PHILADELPHIA -- As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to board the plane once again and head to Boston for a Game 7 with the Celtics, they have an opportunity to knock Boston out of the playoffs. An opportunity that nobody saw coming a week ago when the Celtics took a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 32-point blowout win on the road.
The Sixers looked dead in the water. It was looking like the 2025-26 season obituaries were ready to be printed. Instead, Philadelphia has a chance to eliminate its rival in a playoff series for the first time since 1982--which also happened to be a Game 7.
"I mean, I’ve been playing these guys for so long," Joel Embiid said after the win. "I’m tired of losing to them so we have a chance to accomplish something special. They’re a great team. You look at everything they have. That's a super team, so we gotta go in there with the mindset we’ve had for the last two games, the last two wins, and one play at a time, but we’ve been there. We won two games over there, so just keep doing what we’ve been doing, and we’re gonna be fine."
To Embiid's point, he has endured so many tough playoff losses to Boston. He and the Sixers were eliminated in five games in the East semifinals in 2018. The Celtics then swept the Sixers in Round 1 of the 2020 playoffs in the bubble. Then, Boston eliminated Philadelphia in Game 7 back in 2023 thanks to a 51-point eruption by Jayson Tatum.
This time, Philadelphia has a chance to flip the script.
"We're a confident group," added Kelly Oubre Jr. "We're not a normal 7 seed, obviously. So at the end of the day, man, we have to play to our full potential, and I'll put all my eggs in that basket that we'll be OK, but we just got to come and bring ourselves, be locked in. Obviously, it'll be a lot of haymakers being thrown in Game 7, because it's win or go home for both of us now, but the pressure is on the other team. They're supposed to be where they are, but we want to come and show people for the future where we're supposed to be at, too."
The Sixers have plenty of players who have played in Game 7s in the past. Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and have all played in Game 7s in their career. This will be their first as a collective group, but Philadelphia is feeling like it has a chance heading into this contest. The veterans know what must be done.
Q&A
What is the significance of the Sixers vs. Celtics Game 7?
The Game 7 matchup is significant as it gives the Sixers a chance to eliminate the Celtics in the playoffs for the first time since 1982.
How did the Sixers come back from a 3-1 series deficit?
The Sixers managed to come back from a 3-1 series deficit by winning the last two games, showcasing resilience and strong performances.
What challenges has Joel Embiid faced against the Celtics in the playoffs?
Joel Embiid has faced multiple playoff losses to the Celtics, including being eliminated in the 2018 semifinals and a sweep in the 2020 playoffs.
When was the last time the Sixers eliminated the Celtics in the playoffs?
The last time the Sixers eliminated the Celtics in the playoffs was in 1982, during a Game 7 matchup.