The Philadelphia 76ers entered this NBA season with immense expectations, hoping to vault into championship contention after retooling their roster. But a disastrous 3-14 start sunk those hopes, provoking questions about whether this star-laden squad needed to be detonated and rebuilt from scratch. Heading into a marquee Christmas Day matchup with the rival Boston Celtics, the Sixers were still searching for signs of life.
Well, consider that life found. Behind a dominant performance from superstar center Joel Embiid and clutch shot-making from rising guard Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers outlasted the defending champion Celtics 118-114 at TD Garden. The win not only marked Philly’s eighth victory in their last eleven games, pulling them within a game of the play-in spots, but served as a resounding reminder of this group’s still-untapped potential.
Embiid: “We Got a High Ceiling”
Despite twisting his ankle in warmups, Embiid poured in 27 points and snared 9 rebounds to power the Sixers. The perennial MVP candidate was quick to emphasize that Philadelphia’s best basketball is still ahead:
“We got a high ceiling. It’s all about us putting it together. I don’t think that was close to our best basketball, but we got a pretty good chance. So it’s all about looking for some luck and staying healthy.”
Joel Embiid
Health has indeed been the missing ingredient for these Sixers. The team’s star trio of Embiid, Paul George, and Maxey have shared the court for just 102 minutes together all season. George is still working his way back from knee issues, while Embiid is fresh off another facial fracture. But with all three on the court versus Boston, Philly’s promise was palpable.
Maxey’s Star Turn
Maxey was especially brilliant, torching the Celtics for 33 points and 12 assists in a career-defining performance. The third-year guard has emerged as Philly’s most reliable shot creator and is on the verge of making his first All-Star team. If Maxey can maintain this level of play, the Sixers’ ceiling rises considerably.
Lineup Optimization
Beyond their stars, the 76ers are starting to find effective lineups and rotations. Backup guard Caleb Martin roasted Boston for 23 points off the bench, continuing his habit of saving his best for the Celtics. As head coach Doc Rivers gains a better feel for which combination click, Philly’s complementary pieces are falling into place.
Reviving Playoff Hopes
Just a month removed from occupying the East basement, the Sixers now find themselves back within striking distance of guaranteed playoff position. Securing a top-six seed would help Philly avoid the perilous play-in tournament and afford them vital rest before the postseason.
With a friendly upcoming schedule featuring a four-game Western Conference trip, Philadelphia has a golden opportunity to continue this momentum surge and re-establish themselves as a threat to emerge from the East. The path won’t be easy in a conference stacked with contenders, but we’re finally witnessing glimpses of the juggernaut these Sixers were built to be.
The Bottom Line
Are the Sixers fixed? Not quite yet. Embiid’s health remains paramount, while George must prove he still has enough left in the tank to be a difference-maker. Rivers is also facing pressure to prove his championship chops after past playoff disappointments.
But make no mistake: a team with Embiid, Maxey, and a solid supporting cast is a force to be reckoned with. By toppling the mighty Celtics on the NBA’s brightest regular season stage, Philadelphia issued a wake-up call to the rest of the league. If this sleeping giant is truly awakening, the Eastern Conference landscape could be in for a seismic shift.
