The Philadelphia 76ers went into TD Garden and left with a statement win, beating the Boston Celtics 111-97 in the NBA Playoffs first round. The 7-seed shot the lights out from deep and controlled the final stretch in front of 19,156 fans. Boston’s hot start faded as Philadelphia took command in the second and never let go.

Shooting swing decides it

Boston owned the glass 50-42 and dished 24 assists, but the shooting gap told the story. The Celtics went 13 of 50 from three (26%) while the 76ers drilled 19 of 39 (48%). Philadelphia also finished ahead in field goal percentage 47% to 39% and committed only seven turnovers.

After Boston led 28-25 through one, Philadelphia flipped the game with a 37-26 second quarter to lead 62-54 at halftime. The visitors spent 31:30 in front and held a biggest lead of 16. Boston’s best run was 16 straight, but it wasn’t enough once the threes started falling the other way.

Edgecombe and Maxey headline Philadelphia

VJ Edgecombe powered the 76ers with 30 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 6 of 10 from long range and posting an 8.8 Sofascore Rating. Tyrese Maxey added 29 points and 9 assists with five threes and an 8.4 Sofascore Rating, steering the late push that sealed it.

Paul George chipped in 19 points and 3 assists, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 12. Andre Drummond gave a big bench lift with 10 points on 4 of 4 shooting plus 8 rebounds (7.8 Sofascore Rating). Philadelphia did this without Joel Embiid, listed as a missing player.