Celtics Advance to Second Round After 108-100 Game 5 Win Over 76ers
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday night, closing out the Philadelphia 76ers with a 108-100 victory in Game 5 at TD Garden. The win completes a 4-1 series triumph for the Celtics, who now await the winner of the Knicks-Hawks series in the next round.
The Final Score: Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 24 points and 7 rebounds. For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey scored a game-high 35 points, but the 76ers fell short in their bid to extend the series.
The Celtics’ victory marks their 12th consecutive playoff appearance, the longest active streak in the NBA. It also extends their dominance in the historic 76ers-Celtics rivalry, improving their all-time postseason record against Philadelphia to 69-51.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
The Celtics took control early, building a 12-point lead by the end of the first quarter. However, the 76ers fought back in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to just 4 points at halftime. The turning point came in the third quarter, when Boston outscored Philadelphia 32-22 to take a commanding 84-70 lead into the final period.
Philadelphia made one last push in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 3 points with under 2 minutes remaining. However, clutch free throws from Tatum and Brown sealed the win for the Celtics. Brown’s two free throws with 18.3 seconds left put Boston up 106-100, effectively ending the 76ers’ hopes.
Standout Performances
- Jayson Tatum (BOS): 32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
- Jaylen Brown (BOS): 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- Tyrese Maxey (PHI): 35 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
- Joel Embiid (PHI): 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks (played limited minutes due to injury)
Injury Update: Embiid’s Status Remains a Question
Joel Embiid, who underwent an appendectomy in the final week of the regular season, played limited minutes in Game 5. The reigning MVP logged just 28 minutes, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds but appearing visibly fatigued. His availability for next season’s opening games remains uncertain, though the 76ers have not provided a definitive timeline for his return to full health.
What’s Next for the Celtics and 76ers
The Celtics will now await the winner of the Knicks-Hawks series, which is set to conclude on Wednesday, April 30. Boston holds a 3-2 lead in that series, with Game 6 scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden.
For the 76ers, the offseason begins with questions about Embiid’s recovery and the team’s roster construction. Philadelphia will look to regroup ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the NBA Draft and free agency on the horizon.
Series Recap: Celtics Dominate in Five Games
| Game | Date | Result | Leading Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | April 18, 2026 | Celtics 112, 76ers 95 | Jayson Tatum (30) |
| Game 2 | April 20, 2026 | Celtics 106, 76ers 101 | Tyrese Maxey (33) |
| Game 3 | April 23, 2026 | 76ers 110, Celtics 105 | Joel Embiid (28) |
| Game 4 | April 25, 2026 | Celtics 118, 76ers 102 | Jayson Tatum (34) |
| Game 5 | April 28, 2026 | Celtics 108, 76ers 100 | Tyrese Maxey (35) |
Key Takeaways
- The Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 4-1 series win over the 76ers.
- Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 56 points in Game 5, leading Boston to victory.
- Tyrese Maxey’s 35-point performance was not enough to overcome the Celtics’ balanced attack.
- Joel Embiid’s injury status remains a concern for the 76ers heading into the offseason.
- The Celtics will face the winner of the Knicks-Hawks series in the next round.
How to Follow the Next Round
The Eastern Conference Semifinals will begin on May 2, 2026. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN, TNT, and the NBA League Pass. For real-time updates, follow NBA.com and the official team accounts on social media.
What do you think about the Celtics’ chances in the next round? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
