The Boston Celtics suffered a historic and stunning collapse Saturday night, losing Game 7 of their playoff series to the Philadelphia 76ers 109-100 at TD Garden without star Jayson Tatum. For the first time in franchise history across 80 NBA seasons, the Celtics dropped a series after holding a 3-1 lead, ending their once-perfect 32-0 record in such situations.
The Celtics entered the playoffs as strong contenders with the surprising mid-season return of Tatum from an Achilles injury. However, two hours before tipoff, the team announced Tatum would not play due to left knee stiffness, forcing Boston to scramble with a depleted lineup.
Historic Collapse at TD Garden
The absence of Tatum proved costly as Boston struggled to adjust. Head coach Joe Mazzulla stuck to a stubborn game plan focused heavily on three-point shooting despite the Celtics converting just 28 percent (36 of 129) beyond the arc over their final three games, all losses.
Saturday’s Game 7 saw Boston shoot a dismal 26.5 percent (13 for 49) on threes, missing their final nine attempt in crunch time. The lineup Mazzulla unleashed started with Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Ron Harper Jr., Luka Garza, and Baylor Scheierman, but the bench contributions were ineffective as Harper, Garza, Scheierman, and others went 0 for 12 on shots.
Philadelphia took control early, jumping out to a 9-0 lead before Boston found their footing. The Celtics briefly rallied for an 18-4 second-quarter run, taking their only lead at 37-36, but Joel Embiid’s dominant presence and consistent scoring, finishing with 34 points and 12 rebounds, pushed the 76ers ahead by halftime.
Philly Takes Advantage in Crunch Time
The Sixers, led by Embiid and sharpshooter Tyrese Maxey, pulled away in the third quarter with a flurry of three-pointers and defensive stops, forcing a timeout by Mazzulla. Embiid’s relentless defense, including multiple blocks on Boston’s rim attacks, underscored Philadelphia’s control.
Boston closed the final quarter with a furious 9-0 run to cut the lead to one point, but their inability to connect on critical threes during the final minutes sealed their fate. Philadelphia pulled away convincingly despite playing on the road, clinching the series and sending shockwaves through the Celtics fan base.
Mazzulla’s Controversial Choices Under Fire
Mazzulla’s decision to bench regular contributors Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta in the biggest game of the season raised eyebrows, especially as the team failed to adapt its strategy. His explanation that the lineup shift aimed to “give the series a different feel” fell flat as the Celtics’ offense faltered.
Jaylen Brown, who led Boston with 33 points, acknowledged the tough loss but maintained the team’s effort:
“We had some great looks that I wish would’ve went down, but nothing to hang my head over, nothing to hang our heads over.”
Implications for Celtics and Their Fans
The Celtics’ early exit marks a bitter end to a roller-coaster season that began with hope after a 56-win regular season and Tatum’s unexpected return. Now Boston faces an extended offseason with no NBA playoff basketball to follow, leaving fans with only the Red Sox to cheer for in coming months.
Boston’s historic dominance in Game 7s unravelled on their home court, a place now painfully dubbed the “Tomb of Doom” after six consecutive playoff home losses between the Bruins and Celtics. The Celtics’ leadership and coaching staff, including Mazzulla, Brad Stevens, and Bill Chisholm, face scrutiny over the series collapse and tactical decisions.
Philadelphia’s Redemption and What’s Next
The 76ers, long plagued by postseason disappointments, earned a hard-fought victory against their storied rivals. Joel Embiid’s tenacity and Tyrese Maxey’s clutch scoring proved decisive. Philadelphia’s ability to close out the series after trailing 1-3 highlights their resilience and sets up a summer of anticipation for their next moves.
For Boston, questions loom about roster construction, coaching strategy, and how they will bounce back from the shock of blowing a historic lead. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely for changes ahead of next season, seeking answers after one of the NBA’s most surprising playoff collapses.
