The Philadelphia 76ers refused to let their season end at TD Garden, securing a commanding 113-97 victory over the Boston Celtics. Facing a win-or-go-home scenario, Philadelphia delivered a poised and physical performance to extend this 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs matchup. The 16-point victory sends the series back to Philadelphia with the Celtics now leading 3-2.
The decisive moment
Philadelphia established control early in the contest, using a relentless defensive scheme to disrupt Boston's offensive flow. The 76ers built a double-digit cushion by halftime and successfully repelled every Celtics run in the second half. This disciplined approach allowed the visitors to maintain a comfortable lead and sap the energy from the home crowd.
By the numbers
- 113: Total points scored by Philadelphia in their most efficient offensive outing of the series.
- 16: The final margin of victory for the 76ers in this must-win Game 5.
- 97: Points for a Boston offense that was held below its season average.
- 3-2: The current series standing as the matchup shifts locations.
The 76ers found a way to win despite the ongoing health concerns surrounding Joel Embiid, who remains day-to-day with an abdomen injury. Philadelphia's collective effort across the roster proved enough to overcome the short-handed rotation and keep their postseason alive.
What it means
For Philadelphia, this win represents a massive shift in momentum as they look to become one of the few teams to successfully come back from a 3-1 deficit. The Celtics still maintain the series lead but have lost the opportunity to close out the series on their home floor. The pressure now shifts back to Boston to regain their form before the series potentially reaches a seventh game.
What to watch next
The series returns to Philadelphia for Game 6, where the 76ers will have the advantage of a home crowd as they attempt to even the series. Boston remains just one win away from advancing but must find an answer for the 76ers' renewed defensive intensity. All eyes will be on the injury report to see if Embiid can provide more minutes in the next critical clash.