Celtics Edge 76ers In Overtime Thriller As Rivalry Heats Up
Celtics Edge 76ers In Overtime Thriller As Rivalry Heats Up...
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 112-110 in a dramatic overtime showdown Wednesday night, reigniting one of the NBA's fiercest rivalries. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 34 points, while Joel Embiid's 40-point effort fell just short for Philadelphia in front of a sold-out Wells Fargo Center crowd.
The game is trending nationally as fans debate officiating decisions and clutch performances. A controversial no-call on Embiid's potential game-winning drive in regulation sparked outrage on social media, with #RiggedNBA briefly trending on Twitter. The NBA's Last Two Minute Report, expected Thursday, will likely fuel further discussion.
This marks the teams' third meeting this season, with Philadelphia now holding a 2-1 series advantage. The Eastern Conference contenders face off again March 12 in Boston, where playoff seeding implications could raise the stakes even higher. Both teams currently sit within two games of the conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks.
Philadelphia fans expressed frustration postgame, particularly about Embiid appearing to draw contact on the final play. "We got robbed," shouted one courtside spectator captured on NBC Sports Philadelphia's broadcast. Celtics players countered that Marcus Smart's game-sealing steal was clean defensive execution.
The intensity carried over to postgame interviews, with 76ers coach Doc Rivers stating: "Some nights you don't get the calls. Tonight was one of those nights." Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team's resilience after blowing a 15-point third-quarter lead.
With both franchises boasting championship aspirations, the rivalry's resurgence comes at a pivotal moment. The teams could meet in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, when Boston swept Philadelphia in the first round. Ticket prices for their March 12 rematch have already spiked 38% on secondary markets since Wednesday's finale.
NBA analysts highlight how the matchup showcases contrasting styles - Philadelphia's dominant interior play versus Boston's perimeter shooting. The chess match between Embiid's post dominance and Boston's switch-heavy defense could define potential playoff series. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith called it "must-see basketball" during Thursday's First Take broadcast.
Local media in both cities devoted significant coverage to the game's aftermath. The Boston Globe's front-page sports headline read "Survival Instincts," while the Philadelphia Inquirer led with "So Close." Both teams have Thursday off before weekend matchups, giving players and fans time to digest the instant classic.
With seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game carries heightened importance. Wednesday's thriller reinforced why Celtics-76ers remains one of basketball's most compelling matchups - and why it's dominating national sports conversation today.
