As the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics gear up for their first-round playoff clash, the stage is set for another classic chapter in one of the NBA's most storied rivalries. Before the postseason intensity tips off, let's revisit the four tightly contested battles from the regular season that set the table. Playing within the Atlantic Division, these teams met four times, with a remarkable three games being decided in the final moments, foreshadowing the drama to come.
The season series ended in a 2-2 split, a testament to the competitive balance. Interestingly, three of these matchups occurred within Philadelphia's first 11 games, providing an early-season litmus test. The series gave Sixers fans a thrilling glimpse of rookie VJ Edgecombe's explosive potential and showcased Tyrese Maxey's ability to puncture the Celtics' elite defense.
The opening night in Boston was a statement game. In his NBA debut, rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe announced his arrival with a stunning 34-point performance. Tyrese Maxey was equally spectacular, pouring in 40 points to fuel a dramatic comeback victory. The win was sealed by clutch plays, including a crucial late three-pointer from Kelly Oubre Jr., who also delivered tenacious defense against Celtics star Jaylen Brown.
In the second matchup, a sluggish start proved costly for Philadelphia. Boston exploded out of the gate, building a 13-point first-quarter lead. The Sixers fought valiantly to close the gap but ultimately fell short, suffering their first loss of the season. Joel Embiid, still on a minutes restriction following offseason knee surgery, contributed 20 points in 25 minutes, while Maxey added 26.
Facing significant adversity with both Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, the Sixers found an unexpected hero in the third game. Justin Edwards erupted off the bench, scoring 22 points and connecting on five of six three-point attempts. Veteran center Andre Drummond provided a massive presence with a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double, underscoring the depth that will be critical in a playoff series.