Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics with 35 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, as they erased a 26-point deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-110 on Sunday night. Boston improved to 35-15, while Philadelphia fell to 19-29.
Tatum also recorded 11 assists and seven rebounds, while Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points, and Derrick White finished with 17.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 34 points, scoring 23 in the first half as Philadelphia built a 23-point lead at halftime. Kelly Oubre Jr. posted 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Guerschon Yabusele scored 21.
The Celtics struggled early, shooting just 33.3% in the first half, but responded by hitting 67.7% of their shots after the break. They were even more efficient in the fourth quarter, making 15 of 22 attempts.
Boston outscored Philadelphia 38-16 in the final frame, with Tatum, Brown, White, and Sam Hauser each hitting key shots. A three-pointer from Tatum with 6:51 remaining gave Boston a 101-100 lead, and they never trailed again.
The 76ers could not maintain their early dominance without Joel Embiid, who missed his 15th straight game due to a knee injury. Caleb Martin was also unavailable for Philadelphia, missing his 12th consecutive game with a hip strain.
Boston’s defensive pressure intensified in the second half, forcing turnovers and limiting Maxey’s efficiency. The 76ers shot just 45.1% for the game after starting hot in the first two quarters.
