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Boston led the series 3-1 before Philadelphia stormed back to win three games in a row to book a second round date with the New York Knicks. <\/p>\n
It is the first time in franchise history that the 76ers have come from 3-1 down to win a playoff series.<\/p>\n
It was the ninth time that the two rivals have faced off in a game seven, but it was also the first time in 44 years that Philadelphia have beaten Boston in a head-to-head playoff series.<\/p>\n
In the Eastern Conference, it is also the first time since the first round expanded to best-of-seven in 2003 that a seventh seed has toppled a second seed.<\/p>\n
The Celtics threatened to pull off a mighty comeback, edging within one basket of Philadelphia in the dying minutes after trailing by 13 at the start of the final quarter.<\/p>\n
But the 76ers steadied to late to progress despite an injury concern to star big man Joel Embiid – who finally snapped his own game seven hoodoo.<\/p>\n
The Celtics going two of 11 from three point range in the final term also gave the visitors a significant boost.<\/p>\n
While the hosts\u2019 ultimately were unable to recover from the pre-game blow of Jayson Tatum being ruled out with a leg injury.<\/p>\n
Embiid was immense with a game high 34 points and 12 rebounds as well as six assists.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was about playing hard,\u201d he said post-game. \u201cI told these guys before the game, especially when we hard the news (of Tatum\u2019s injury), same energy, same intensity.\u201d <\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid reacts during the NBA basketball playoff series against the Boston Celtics.Source: AP<\/p>\n
Embiid, who has previously lost three playoff series against the Celtics, added: \u201cWoah, that\u2019s a tough task (to come from 3-1 down) but I\u2019ve always believed in these guys.<\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially this team. Obviously all year long we weren\u2019t at our best, but I still feel like we\u2019re not even close.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m getting back to myself. Everybody in this locker room is locked in. All focused on the same goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s hard. The guys that have done it before, I can understand how hard it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Embiid underwent surgery last month to remove his appendix and his teammate Tyrese Maxey was full of praise post-game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means everything. For him to do that for us, all we can do is appreciate it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been doing it all year, all his career, really. The city of Philadelphia should really, really not take him for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n
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