The Sixers on Sunday defeated the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 at TD Garden, overcoming a 3-1 deficit. It’s the first time they’ve beaten the Celtics in the postseason in over 40 years. It was also the first Game 7 win of Joel Embiid’s career in four tries — and he was the biggest reason why.
Embiid scored a game-high 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds and six assists. He was banged up and gassed less than a month removed from an appendectomy, but gave his team all he had.
If you’ll recall, these two teams met in the first round two years ago, with New York taking the knock-down, drag-out series in six games. Embiid was wearing a bulky knee brace after another meniscus surgery and also battling a case of Bell’s palsy. During games at what’s now called Xfinity Mobile Arena, Knicks fans took over the building.
When speaking to reporters Sunday, Embiid had a pointed message for Sixers fans:
Not sure how you can claim your money from Embiid, but it’s a nice thought nonetheless.
You heard the man. Fill that arena with red and blue starting Friday night.
Update: It looks like the organization is taking Embiid’s words to heart.
