In a stunning turn of events, Joel Embiid’s return from an emergency appendectomy played a crucial role in the Philadelphia 76ers’ historic comeback against the Boston Celtics during Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs.
Embiid scored 34 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and provided six assists in the decisive match held on May 3, 2026. His performance marked a significant turnaround for a team that had not won a playoff series against the Celtics since 1982.
Before this game, Embiid had missed several crucial matches due to his health issues. He sat out the final few games of the regular season, one NBA Play-In game, and three playoff games against Boston. His absence raised concerns about the team’s chances.
However, his return in Game 4 shifted the momentum. “What changed in the series is Joel Embiid came back, and they’re a completely different team,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.
The comeback was remarkable. The 76ers overcame a daunting 3-1 series deficit to win the series 4-3. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the franchise.
In addition to Embiid’s standout performance, Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with eight key points in the final moments of Game 7. The team now looks ahead to face the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.
Embiid expressed his relief and excitement post-game: “I feel great, I feel amazing. I was faking it.” His determination to play despite health challenges has resonated with fans and teammates alike.
Coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the intensity of playoff basketball stating, “The amount of games is still pretty low, right? These are super intense, pretty quick comebacks, every other day.” The stakes are high as they prepare for their next matchup.