The Philadelphia 76ers secured a crucial 106-93 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday, forcing a Game 7.
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The opening frame was a slow start for both sides, but Boston actually shot slightly better in the first quarter to lead by three.
Philadelphia quickly took control in the second. While the Celtics didn’t go completely cold on the offensive end, they slowed down enough for the Sixers to go out in front. By halftime, the Sixers led by nine.
The scoring finally slowed back down for Philadelphia in the third quarter, but it was even worse for Boston. The Celtics connected on just six of their 23 shot attempts in the third frame.
The Sixers only scored 24 points in the third, but it was enough for a 19-point lead. Notably, Jayson Tatum left to the locker room in the third with an apparent injury, although he later returned to the bench and did not play any further.
In the final frame, Boston outscored Philadelphia by six, but couldn’t make it a competitive game down the stretch.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 30 points and five assists on 11-22 shooting while Paul George had 23 points and five rebounds. Joel Embiid also played well with 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
For the Celtics, Tatum had 17 points and 11 rebounds while Jaylen Brown finished with 18 points.
The series now heads back to Boston for a win-or-go-home Game 7.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
