The 2025 Boston Celtics have joined the list of NBA teams to blow a 3-1 lead. Taking on the Philadelphia 76ers, a team they have dismantled for years in the postseason, should have been a layup. Since 1985, Boston has defeated the City of Brotherly Love in six straight playoff series. With everything rolling, they fell short of reaching the second round for the first time since 2020-2021. Let’s jump into this First Round series and the monumental choke job.
Boston Celtics Monster Collapse
After jumping out to a 3-1 series lead, two of the wins came by 32 points apiece, and the Celtics appeared to have the series wrapped up. It was going to be another case of the 76ers’ health letting them down, preventing them from playing with the upper echelon of the conference. The dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were averaging 24.75 & 26.75 points per game with no signs of slowing down.
Entering the postseason, Joel Embiid’s availability to even suit up for Philly was in question. With the former MVP playing in only 38 games this season, and missing the last four games of the regular season due to post-appendectomy surgery recovery, he would make his return in Game 4. Boston would win that game by 32 points, but Embiid had a strong performance, 26 points, 10 rebounds, & 6 assists, despite an inefficient scoring night.
The series would head back to Boston for Game 5, a place that has given the 76ers and Embiid nightmares. With a record of 1-8 at The Garden, the C’s had no answer for The Process. The big three of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Embiid would combine for 74 of the team’s 113 as Philly would extend their season by one game. Maxey would turn up the heat in Game 6 with a 30-point performance as their defense continued to stymie the Celtics from downtown.
The Best Two Words in Sports: Game 7
Hours before tipoff, it would be announced that Jayson Tatum, who got injured in Game 6, would miss the ultimate do-or-die game against the 76ers. Philly would jump all over the Celtics from the opening tip, jumping out to an early 15-point lead. Boston would answer back with a run of their own, even taking the lead with just under seven minutes to go in the half. The 76ers would hold a 55-50 lead at the intermission.
Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe would feast on an elite Boston defense with 21 of the 76ers’ 33 points scored in the 3rd quarter and extend the lead up to 18. Entering the final quarter of the season for one of those teams, the home team found itself in a 13-point hole. The C’s would begin the quarter on a 16-4 run to cut the deficit to four with 8:41 left in Game 7. Derrick White would nail a three that would erupt the crowd, and more importantly, bring Boston to within one, 95-94.
The separation between these two teams would be a singular point until Maxey took over. He scored 10 of the last 12 points scored by the 76ers as they would complete the 3-1 comeback for the first time in franchise history. This was also the first time Joel Embiid got past the team in green in the postseason. It’s great to see players and athletes finally get past a team or opponent that has been a thorn in their side for almost the entirety of their postseason career.
What Went Wrong for Boston?
Let’s begin with Game 7. With just under 2:30 to go, it appeared that Brown had an entry pass on a fast break to Neemias Queta, but chose to drive to the paint and kick it to Peyton Pritchard for an open three that missed the mark. Now they were without Jayson Tatum in G7, but I am not here to make excuses for a team that was dominant without their best player for the majority of the season.
I understand that that is how Boston has played since Joe Mazzulla took over in 2022-2023, but that play reminded me of Mike D’Antoni’s system. Generate good looks from three and hope you make 36%+ on them. In the final three games, the Celtics shot 36 for 129 (27.9%). You can get away with that in the regular season, but you can’t go that ice-cold in the playoffs.
Regardless of the pass that wasn’t, there is no excuse to blow a 3-1 lead to a team you have bullied and smothered in the modern era. Zero, point, blank, period. It doesn’t matter that Embiid came back for the 76ers. You dominated this team by 32 points TWICE. This organization needs to take a strong look at its playstyle in the mirror.
What’s Next for 76ers?
The 76ers are moving on to the second round for the first time since 2022-2023. They will take on the New York Knicks, who are coming in on fire, winning three straight against the Atlanta Hawks and one of the most one-sided playoff wins in NBA history. They have the talent in Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George to match the Knicks’ star power. I give them a strong chance against New York, but that’s another story for a different day. Game 1 of their second-round series will take place Monday Night at 8 PM EST.
Final Thoughts
This was an exciting Game 7 and series between two of the NBA’s oldest rivals. The weight of the world has finally been lifted off Joel Embiid. They finally got past Boston. What does this loss mean for the Celtics? Do you think it’s time for a new coach? Lastly, do you believe the 76ers can get past the Knicks?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and recap on the Boston Celtics blowing a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
