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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: A Boston Celtics fan sits in the stands before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

In the final minutes of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ play-in matchup against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, with a spot in the playoffs on the line, the fans at Xfinity Mobile Arena made it clear that they were ready for what’s next.

“We want Boston,” chants echoed amongst Philadelphia fans, knowing that the win over the Magic meant they would face off against the Celtics in the first round.

However, while the fans were ready to head to Boston, it seems the wasn’t quite prepared for the challenge they would face at TD Garden as the Celtics dominated against the 76ers, leading by as much as 35 points at times. And with that, they ultimately won Game 1, 123-91.

So, to have some fun, the crowd at TD Garden began “We want Boston!” chants towards the end of the game.

And what makes this funnier is that even Stephen A. Smith knew the 76ers would regret this chant.

“Philly fans will regret saying, ‘We want Boston,’” Smith said during a segment of ESPN’s “First Take.” “You’re not beating the Boston Celtics… This is the 12th straight year Boston is in the playoffs. Longest streak in the NBA.”

And regret it they did based on the results of that first game. The two teams will face off against one another again on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for Game 2, where Philadelphia will try to comeback from this bad defeat.

Joe Mazzulla Reacts To The Fans Chanting At The End Of The Game

After the game, Joe Mazzulla was asked about the chant during Game 1.

“I didn’t really think anything of it,” Mazzulla said (per MassLive). “There is a history to the series which you have to appreciate but at the same time, you have to focus on the task at hand. The most important thing is the stuff we can control. I thought the crowd was great tonight, helped get off to a good start. Playoff basketball. It means more and it’s different in Boston, which we appreciate.”

Jayson Tatum Makes Tremendous Return To NBA Playoffs

GettyJayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics reacts before Game 1 of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026.

Prior to Sunday, the last time Jayson Tatum took the court in the NBA Playoffs, it didn’t end the best way. In last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, Tatum ruptured his Achilles, but he made a heroic comeback and returned in time to help the Celtics make a deep run.

Tatum recorded 25 points, going 9-of-17 shooting, while also adding 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one turnover.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Tatum said. “Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if I was going to play this season. Let alone play in the playoffs. Today was probably the most excited, relaxed and grateful I’ve been about my nine years in the playoffs.”

Along with Tatum, Boston’s other superstar, Jaylen Brown, added a team-high 26 points.

“That was Celtics basketball,” Brown stated. “We’ve been the harder-playing team all year. That can’t change now that the playoffs have started.”