The 76ers are the first No. 7 seed in the East to defeat a No. 2 seed since the first round expanded to best-of-seven in 2003.
They are also the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series.
Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court after defeating the 106-93 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
On Saturday night, the Philadelphia 76ers played the Celtics in Boston for Game 7 of their first-round playoff series.
The 76ers won by a score of 109-100.
They are now headed to the second round to play the New York Knicks.
NBA Communications wrote: “The 76ers are the first No. 7 seed in the East to defeat a No. 2 seed since the first round expanded to best-of-seven in 2003. They are also the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series.”
The 76ers are the first No. 7 seed in the East to defeat a No. 2 seed since the first round expanded to best-of-seven in 2003.
They are also the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series.
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Joel Embiid finished the win with 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and one block while shooting 12/26 from the field and 1/4 from three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.
He also made history with his performance.
Real App wrote: “Centers with 30/10/5 in a Game 7: — Wilt Chamberlain — Hakeem Olajuwon — Nikola Jokic — Joel Embiid”
Centers with 30/10/5 in a Game 7:
— Wilt Chamberlain — Hakeem Olajuwon — Nikola Jokic — Joel Embiid
Embiid had missed the first three games of the series, but the 76ers were able to stay competitive in his absence.
The 2023 MVP is still one of the best players in the NBA when he is on the floor.
He finished the regular season with averages of 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 48.9% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range in 38 games.
Skip Bayless wrote: “Key to the Sixers coming back from down 3-1 was that for once, Joel Embiid sucked it up and kept playing – especially in this Game 7, when he twice took shots to his knee AND KEPT PLAYING HARD. He is such a difference-maker. And he finally won a 7 after 3 failures.”
Key to the Sixers coming back from down 3-1 was that for once, Joel Embiid sucked it up and kept playing – especially in this Game 7, when he twice took shots to his knee AND KEPT PLAYING HARD. He is such a difference-maker. And he finally won a 7 after 3 failures.
GettyTyrese Maxey #0 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The 76ers had been coming off a season (in 2025) where they missed the NBA playoffs.
That said, they have a very talented roster that is led by Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and V. J. Edgecombe.
If the 76ers can remain healthy, they will be able to put up a good fight against the Knicks.
@OptaSTATS wrote: “Joel Embiid of the @sixers is the first player in NBA history to score 100+ points in a playoff series despite missing the first 3 games.”
Joel Embiid of the @sixers is the first player in NBA history to score 100+ points in a playoff series despite missing the first 3 games.
Embiid is looking to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in his career.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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