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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: Magic Johnson speaks to the fans during the jersey retirement of Michael Cooper during halftime of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers proved a lot of people wrong with their gutsy 113-97 Game 5 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, including NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
The Sixers were down 3-1 heading into the fifth game of the series, and Johnson, like many others, had apparently counted them out. But, that proved to be a mistake.
Magic Johnson Offers Apology to 76ers for Counting Them Out
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: Magic Johnson reacts as he speaks to the press resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Thanks to a dominant performance from star center Joel Embiid (33 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds), the Sixers were able to extend the series – and their season – for another game, at least.
After the final horn sounded, Johnson took to social media to offer an apology to the Sixers for doubting them. He also gave credit to head coach Nick Nurse for an effective game plan.
“I have to apologize to the Philadelphia 76ers for thinking the Series was over after Game 4,” Johnson wrote. “Tonight, the 76ers beat the Celtics and were led by the dominant inside play of Joel Embiid – he had 33 points and 8 assists! He had plenty of help from Tyrese Maxey’s 25 points, Paul George’s 16 points and Quentin Grimes’ 18 points off the bench which included four 3’s! Grimes also played solid on the defensive end which helped the 76ers beat the Celtics 113-97!
“My hat goes off to 76ers Coach Nick Nurse who had an awesome game plan and had his team believing that they could beat the Celtics on the road in Boston!”
This story will be updated.
Michael Kaskey-Blomain Michael Kaskey-Blomain is an experienced sports media member covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy. He has been in the industry for well over a decade with previous stops including the Philadelphia Inquirer and CBS Sports. Michael also serves as a Philadelphia 76ers reporter and insider for ESPN 97.3 and an NBA and NFL contributor for The Sporting News. More about Michael Kaskey-Blomain