Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers happily played the role of “Grinch” at TD Garden on Christmas Day.
Amid plenty of boos from the Boston crowd, Philadelphia was able to defeat the hometown Celtics 118-114 to improve to 11-17 on the season and gain some positive momentum heading into the new year.
Bleacher Report @Bleacher Report
Embiid waves goodbye to Boston fans as Philly walks away with Christmas win pic.twitter.com/c0AQWDeebj
The 76ers held a 66-58 lead at halftime, but a 24-16 advantage against the Celtics in the third quarter breathed new life into the game. Philadelphia would then build a 15-point lead in the final quarter, but an 11-0 run by Boston late in the game made it close again.
But some free throws from Embiid and Paul George kept Philadelphia ahead and allowed it to secure the decisive win.
Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 33 points while Embiid had 27 and Caleb Martin had 23. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum’s 32 points while Jaylen Brown had 23.
Fans took to social media to praise the 76ers’ effort and declare that the team has bounced back from its slow start to the season.
NBA world @NBAW0RLD24
Tyrese Maxey today:
33 PTS
12 AST
3 STL
12-23 FGM
The 76ers have won 8 of their last 11 games. pic.twitter.com/33b20RVf9Y
OvertimeZone @OvertimeZoneNBA
The Philadelphia 76ers narrowly defeated the Boston Celtics by a final score of 118-114, extending the Celtics’ losing streak to two games. Meanwhile, the 76ers have extended their winning streak to two games in a row. pic.twitter.com/5zAonJr1KT
The 76ers have won two games in a row and eight of their last 11 as they push for the playoffs. Philadelphia is currently 11th in the Eastern Conference and is two games behind the tenth place Detroit Pistons.
Philadelphia will face the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers to round out their 2024 lineup. They will also face Boston three more times during the regular season, with the next coming on February 2nd.
