The 76ers Face a Harsh Reality in Game 1 Against the Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Boston for Game 1 of their 2026 NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics and suffered a devastating 32-point loss. The game ended with a final score of 91-123, marking a difficult start for the 76ers as they faced the reigning 2024 NBA champions.
Philadelphia’s offense struggled throughout the game, with only one player managing to exceed 20 points. That player was Tyrese Maxey, who finished with 21 points, eight assists, and one rebound. His performance included shooting 8-20 from the field (40.0 FG%) and 1-4 from beyond the arc (25.0 3P%). After the game, Maxey addressed the media, offering insights into the team’s mindset and the challenges they faced.
“I’ll say this, like I think this is my fifth playoff. So losses, whether you lose by seven, 12, 100, they all hurt. They all don’t feel good. But this one, you know, it s—s. You know, we didn’t expect this at all,” Maxey said.
“But we just got to play better. You know, Paul said something that kind of registered in my mind, like ‘They didn’t feel like it was a playoff game. We did, but they didn’t. You know what I’m saying? They just did us easy. They feel like it was an easy game, and that’s not okay. Like, we’ve got to make them more uncomfortable.’”
Paul George Reflects on the Team’s Struggles
Paul George was the second-leading scorer for the 76ers in the game, tallying 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist. He shot 4-8 from the field (50.0 FG%) and 1-2 from beyond the three-point line (50.0 3P%). George also spoke to the media after the game, addressing the team’s offensive struggles.
“I thought we had a lot of good looks. I thought we turned down some shots, but we also had a lot of good looks, a lot of chippy ones that we usually make at the rim. Yeah, I thought it was just one of those days where we missed some easy ones, to be honest,” George said.
“Would it have made a difference? I don’t know. You gave our team 123 and shot 50%, you’re not going to win like that on the road. If you let a team shoot 50% at home, it’s going to be tough in the playoffs.”
“But this would’ve made the game a little bit better. Would’ve kept us in striking distance had we made some of those easy ones. But it’s just one game, hopefully we’ll be better with them in Game 2,” George concluded.
A New Leadership Role for Paul George
With the possibility of Joel Embiid being sidelined for the entire series, Paul George will need to step up as a leader both on and off the court. George has already begun to take on this responsibility, speaking candidly with his teammates about how the Celtics seemed to perceive the 76ers.
The Celtics dominated the game, especially in the third quarter, and led by as many as 35 points at one point. They now prepare to host Game 2 in Boston on Tuesday, April 21.
While the 2024 NBA champions aim for another strong performance, the 76ers are hoping that Maxey and George can bounce back in Game 2. Their success in the next game will depend on their ability to regain confidence and execute more effectively on offense.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- The 76ers’ offense struggled significantly, with only Maxey scoring over 20 points.
- Maxey acknowledged the team’s underperformance and emphasized the need for improvement.
- George highlighted the importance of making key shots and maintaining composure.
- With Embiid potentially out for the series, George must lead the team in both leadership and performance.
- The Celtics showed dominance, particularly in the third quarter, and will look to continue their strong play in Game 2.
