The Philadelphia 76ers stayed alive in their Eastern Conference first-round series with a 113-97 Game 5 win over the Boston Celtics, powered by Joel Embiid’s 33-point performance at TD Garden.
Embiid, returning after missing time due to injury and limited availability, emphasized adjustment and persistence rather than comfort in rhythm.
“It obviously takes to dig deep and get this one done tonight. Obviously you don’t want to go home, so got to do whatever it takes,” Embiid said.
The 76ers center credited defensive discipline and shot-making as key separators in the road victory.
“I thought defensively we did a much better job, especially not overhelping as we did last game. And then offensively it becomes a little easier when you’re making shots,” he said. “We definitely made more shots than we did last game.”
Boston briefly controlled stretches early, but Philadelphia’s response in the second half shifted the game’s structure, especially when Embiid adjusted his approach.
“I think it was just figuring out, second game back… I was open so I got to take them. Unfortunately didn’t make any. I’ll make some next game. And then obviously you got to change the mindset because that wasn’t working, so had to adjust,” Embiid said.
He added that the switch to interior pressure was a key turning point in his production.
“Just wanted to impose myself inside a little bit more and it worked out.”
The 76ers also leaned heavily on late-game execution, particularly in the fourth quarter where they extended control through defensive positioning and shot selection.
“Same thing we did all game… I kept telling the guys no threes. If we want to go back and forth on taking twos… I felt like we would get any shots we want,” Embiid said.
Boston’s defensive attention on Embiid created perimeter opportunities for Philadelphia, something he acknowledged as part of the offensive balance.
“By me being aggressive, it opens up open shots for everybody else. So yeah, I think it’s finding the right balance, the right mix.”
Embiid also highlighted Paul George’s two-way impact, especially against Boston’s top scorers.
“He does everything. Starts on defense… just going back and forth. He’s an amazing defender… He just does a little bit of everything and we need all of it.”
Despite physical moments in the game, Embiid downplayed any concern about contact or injury.
“I’m good,” he said when asked about a knee collision during the game.
His mentality also reflected the broader context of returning from injury and playing extended minutes.
“I don’t complain. I just want to give as much as I can… every single time I step on the floor, I want to play as hard as possible.”
Embiid closed his comments by reflecting on the urgency of the moment and the shortened window of opportunity.
“I just want to enjoy as much as possible. I don’t know how long I have that I can do this.”
The series now shifts back to Philadelphia, where the 76ers will look to complete the comeback in Game 6.
