The Celtics made history by becoming the first team to blow a 3-1 series lead in their playoff history. This occurred during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers on early Tuesday. The Celtics lost the decisive game 109-100.
As of midday, Jayson Tatum’s absence due to right knee tenderness significantly impacted Boston’s performance. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
The Celtics had a challenging journey in this playoff series. They dominated Game 1, defeating the 76ers by 32 points. However, after leading the series 3-1, they faced unexpected adversity.
Joel Embiid returned for the 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy just 17 days earlier. His performance was crucial, as he scored 34 points in Game 7.
The Celtics trailed by as much as 15 points during the game before attempting a comeback. They entered the fourth quarter down by 13 points.
This loss marks a significant moment in NBA history for Boston. They had never before blown such a substantial series lead.
Jaylen Brown reflected on the season, stating, “Great season. There’s nothing to hang my head over, nothing for our team to hang their heads over.” Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed appreciation for his players’ effort despite the loss.
The defeat leaves Boston with questions about their future strategies and player health as they prepare for next season.