76ers Stun Celtics 111-97, Edgecombe's Heroic 30 Points Ties Playoff Series

2 MIN READ

PUBLISHED:

4/22/2026, 7:41:25 AM

UPDATED: Jun 9, 2026

Key Takeaways

VJ Edgecombe delivered a heroic performance with 30 points and 10 rebounds despite an early-game injury.
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 111-97, tying their playoff series at one game apiece.
Tyrese Maxey was a key offensive contributor for the 76ers, adding 29 points to the victory.
The win is crucial for the 76ers, preventing an 0-2 deficit and shifting momentum before the series moves to Boston.
The Celtics face pressure to respond on their home court after struggling to contain Philadelphia's key players.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia 76ers have leveled their playoff series against the Boston Celtics, securing a decisive 111-97 victory on Tuesday night. The win, which evens the series at one game apiece, was spearheaded by a remarkable performance from VJ Edgecombe and a crucial scoring effort by Tyrese Maxey.

Edgecombe emerged as the undisputed hero of the night, delivering an extraordinary 30 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. His double-double was made all the more impressive by the fact that he played through significant discomfort, having taken a hard fall on his back early in the game. Despite the injury, Edgecombe's tenacity and scoring prowess proved to be an insurmountable challenge for the Celtics' defense, providing a vital offensive spark for Philadelphia.

Complementing Edgecombe's heroic effort, guard Tyrese Maxey contributed a robust 29 points, showcasing his offensive versatility and ability to score under pressure. Maxey's consistent threat from various spots on the floor helped to keep the Celtics' defense scrambling, preventing them from focusing solely on Edgecombe.

The victory marks a critical turning point in the series for the 76ers, who faced the prospect of falling into an 0-2 deficit before heading to Boston. By tying the series, Philadelphia has successfully reclaimed momentum and ensured a more competitive contest moving forward. The 76ers' defensive effort was also notable, as they managed to contain a potent Celtics offense that typically thrives on high-scoring outputs.

For the Celtics, the loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in defensive transition and containing perimeter threats. Despite efforts from their key players, Boston struggled to match the intensity and offensive efficiency displayed by Edgecombe and Maxey. The team will now regroup ahead of Game 3, aiming to reassert their dominance on their home court.

The series now shifts to Boston, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric as both teams vie for control. The 76ers' ability to overcome an early setback and rally behind Edgecombe's resilience sets the stage for what promises to be an intensely competitive and captivating playoff battle. This victory not only ties the series but also sends a clear message that the 76ers are a formidable opponent, capable of challenging even the league's top contenders.