76ers Force Game 7 with 106-93 Win Over Celtics in Playoff Thriller PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points, and Paul George added 23 as the Philadelphia 76ers delivered a statement performance in a 106-93 Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round series. The win, which came after the 76ers had lost two games by 32 points in the same series, marked their most complete game of the season and sent the series back to Boston tied at 3-3. The 76ers’ resurgence was fueled by Joel Embiid’s return from an appendectomy, which allowed the team to rebound from a pair of blowout losses. Embiid contributed 19 points in Game 6, while George, who had been sidelined for much of the season due to a 25-game suspension for failing a drug test, showcased his All-Star form with five three-pointers and a team-high 23 points. George’s leadership was critical, as he deferred to teammates when needed but still provided a spark for the offense. The game’s defining moment came in the third quarter when Kelly Oubre Jr. blocked Jaylen Brown’s shot, allowing Maxey to retrieve the ball and initiate a fast break. George then executed a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe, who finished with a thunderous dunk to give the 76ers a 69-54 lead. The play, which became a highlight of the series, energized the crowd and shifted momentum in Philadelphia’s favor. Boston’s Jaylen Brown struggled with foul trouble, collecting three early in the first half and finishing with 18 points. Jayson Tatum, returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon, added 17 points for the Celtics but left the game briefly in the third quarter for treatment on a calf injury.#joe_mazzulla #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid #paul_george #kelly_obre_jr
Jayson Tatum injury: Celtics confirm star's status for Game 7 Jayson Tatum will be available for Game 7 against the 76ers, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed. Mazzulla stated during a conference call that Tatum would play in the winner-take-all matchup. Hours later, the Celtics announced they had “no injuries to report” ahead of the game at TD Garden. Tatum dealt with stiffness in his left leg during Game 6, which took place in Philadelphia. Footage from the Peacock broadcast showed him massaging his calf during a second-quarter timeout. He briefly exited the court toward the locker room in the third quarter but returned to the game. The injury was not the same leg that Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in during the 2025 season. Tatum checked out of the game with four minutes remaining in the third quarter and did not return. Mazzulla pulled the team’s starters early in the fourth quarter and played the final 10 minutes with bench players. Tatum finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three turnovers while playing 29 minutes, his lowest total in a game since March 10. He had logged at least 39 minutes in three of the first five games of the first-round series, including a season-high 42 minutes in Game 3. Tatum downplayed the issue, stating he “wasn’t overly concerned.” He described the stiffness as a minor issue and noted that the game was “a little out of reach” when he left the court. Mazzulla confirmed the team had no concerns about Tatum’s leg and expected him to be fine. The Celtics have had their full roster available for every game in the postseason. Tatum, who made his season debut on March 6, averaged 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over the first six playoff games, shooting 47.5% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #joe_mazzulla #td_garden #76ers
Tyrese Maxey’s latest playoff outburst made improbable Game 2 win possible BOSTON — Tyrese Maxey’s clutch performance in the fourth quarter of Game 2 propelled the Philadelphia 76ers to a 111-97 victory, sending the first-round playoff series back to Philadelphia tied at one game apiece. The 25-year-old guard scored 12 of his 29 points in the final six minutes, including two critical three-pointers, to secure the win against the Boston Celtics. The result marked a dramatic turnaround for the 76ers, who had struggled in Game 1 and appeared to be outmatched in the series. Maxey’s final stretch of play began with a pivotal moment midway through the fourth quarter. After the Celtics cut the 76ers’ lead to two points, Maxey drained consecutive three-pointers from the top of the key. He then walked to the corner of the court, his steely expression signaling his determination to close the game. Boston’s coach, Joe Mazzulla, later acknowledged the intensity of the moment, noting how Maxey’s focus shifted from his rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe to the broader team effort. Edgecombe, who had already delivered a standout performance with 30 points in Game 1, had done his part to set up Maxey’s heroics. By forcing Boston’s defense to prioritize him, Edgecombe freed up Maxey to take over the final stages of the game. The 76ers’ rookie also played a key role in getting Paul George, the veteran wing, involved early in the fourth quarter. This strategic adjustment allowed Maxey to capitalize on the Celtics’ defensive rotations, leading to his 12-point surge in the final six minutes. Maxey’s performance was a continuation of his impressive playoff run. Earlier in the 2022 postseason, he had dazzled with a 38-point game, complementing stars Joel Embiid and James Harden.#boston_celtics #joe_mazzulla #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #vj_edgecombe
Boston Celtics Sign Charles Bassey Amid Roster Adjustments The Boston Celtics made two roster moves on Saturday, signing Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract and Max Shulga to a two-year standard deal. The decision followed the team’s use of all available days to carry fewer than 14 players on standard contracts, leaving them with the need to re-sign Bassey or replace him before his 10-day deal expires. This move aligns with the Celtics’ strategy to manage their roster while staying under the luxury tax threshold for the league year. Bassey, a 25-year-old center, had a distinct advantage in securing the 10-day deal. His standout performance during the Summer League with the Sin City Celtics highlighted his value to the team. Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, emphasized the importance of continuity and the relationships Bassey had built with the coaching staff and players during the summer. “He was good for us in Summer League,” Mazzulla said. “Anytime you can continue to build relationships with the assistants, with our language, and with some of the stuff from Summer League that’s carried over to now, it helps you, especially in a short period of time.” Bassey’s contributions during the Summer League were significant. In three games, he averaged 15.3 points while shooting 70.4% from the field, along with 11 rebounds and two blocks per game. His performance caught the attention of the Celtics, who had previously explored other options for a 10-day contract. However, Bassey’s familiarity with the team’s system and his track record in the summer program made him a top choice. Before joining the Celtics, Bassey had a varied path, including training camp with the Atlanta Hawks, 10-day stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers, and time in the G League.#boston_celtics #joe_mazzulla #charles_bassey #sin_city_celtics #nikea_vucevic
Jayson Tatum's return a reminder of Celtics' improbable journey Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics have transformed dramatically since May 12, 2025, when Tatum suffered a torn Achilles and the team faced a bleak outlook. The Celtics were down 3-1 in the NBA playoffs against the Knicks, and their hopes of repeating as champions seemed lost. Tatum’s injury not only jeopardized his season but also threatened the core of the 2024 title-winning squad. The 297-day wait for Tatum’s return has been nothing short of extraordinary. Fans and analysts once doubted whether the Celtics could maintain their competitiveness without their star player, but the team has defied expectations. With Tatum set to rejoin the roster, the Celtics now stand as a legitimate title contender, having rebuilt their roster and adapted to his absence. General manager Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla spearheaded a dramatic roster overhaul, shedding over $350 million in salary cap space to position the team below the luxury tax. This move allowed flexibility for future free agency while ensuring the Celtics remained playoff-ready. Mazzulla’s bold approach, including his public confidence in the team’s potential, has paid dividends. The Celtics secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, a testament to their resilience and strategic adjustments. Jaylen Brown has emerged as the team’s focal point, elevating his game to an MVP level with his dual-threat ability. Neemias Queta, once a fourth-string center, has become a starting big man with a standout net rating, while the Celtics’ young wing group—Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez—has thrived in various roles. These players have proven their worth, solidifying the foundation for a future title contender. Tatum’s return adds another layer of intrigue.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #joe_mazzulla #brad_stevens #jaylen_brown
Celtics' Jayson Tatum (Achilles) Available to Return Friday Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics' star forward, has been cleared to return to the court after recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury, according to reports. The Celtics officially approved his return for a scheduled game on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery process. Tatum, who missed the majority of the 2025-2026 season due to the injury, has been working diligently to regain his form and fitness. The decision to allow Tatum back on the court comes after medical evaluations confirmed that he has made substantial progress in his rehabilitation. Sources indicate that Tatum’s return is not only a personal triumph but also a critical move for the Celtics as they aim to compete in the NBA playoffs. His presence on the roster is expected to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities and provide leadership in high-stakes games. Tatum’s journey to recovery has been closely followed by fans and analysts alike. The Celtics’ medical team has emphasized the importance of a gradual return to ensure he is fully prepared for the physical demands of the season. While the exact timeline for his full integration into the team’s game plan remains under review, his availability for Friday’s game signals a positive development for both the player and the franchise. In a recent interview, Shams Charania, a well-known NBA analyst, discussed Tatum’s determination to return this season. Charania highlighted how Tatum’s commitment to rehabilitation has been a key factor in his progress. “Tatum’s mission has always been to come back strong, and his work ethic has been instrumental in getting him to this point,” Charania noted. This mindset has not only helped Tatum physically but also mentally, as he prepares to rejoin his teammates.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #shams_charania #joe_mazzulla #milwaukee_bucks
Jayson Tatum will return to Boston Celtics Friday against Dallas Mavericks Jayson Tatum will make his season debut with the Boston Celtics on Friday night. The Celtics upgraded Tatum to available on the injury report Friday afternoon, just hours before their game against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. He had been listed as questionable for the first time all season after tearing his right Achilles during the playoffs in May 2025. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed Tatum will be in the starting lineup for the matchup. The Celtics currently hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference, four-and-a-half games behind the Detroit Pistons. With Tatum sidelined for most of the season, many had anticipated a challenging campaign for the team. Tatum suffered the right Achilles injury late in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 12, 2025. The Celtics announced the same day that Tatum had already undergone surgery. Medical experts noted that the prompt surgical intervention could accelerate his recovery. Typically, a torn Achilles requires 9 to 12 months of rehabilitation, but Tatum has been out for nearly 10 months. In February, Tatum participated in practices with Boston’s G-League team, signaling progress in his recovery. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens emphasized that the team would not delay Tatum’s return, stating, “There's no pressure from us. But there's also not going to be any of us saying, 'Well, why don't you just take another week?' It's going to be: When he's ready, he's ready.” Over his eight NBA seasons since being drafted from Duke, Tatum has established himself as a league star. He averages 23.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his career.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #joe_mazzulla #dallas_mavericks #td_garden
