In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid led the way for his team with an impressive performance. Embiid scored a game-high of 33 points, including three 3-pointers, while also grabbing 7 rebounds, recording 3 assists, and blocking 4 shots. He dominated the game on both ends of the court, scoring from inside, out, and from the free-throw line. His play set the tone for the 76ers, who went on to win the game 115-103.
In the first quarter, Embiid led his team with 11 points as Philadelphia extended their lead to 33-26. Meanwhile, Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum had another slow start, missing all five of his field goal attempts and scoring only two points from free throws. The 76ers continued their momentum after halftime, outscoring the Celtics 30-23 in the third quarter. Embiid was the driving force during this run and he was even booed by the Boston crowd after hitting a crucial floater with just under 30 seconds left in the quarter extending the lead to 88-69.
Although the Celtics reserves managed a late 9-0 run, it was too little too late. Embiid’s teammate Tyrese Maxie also played a key role in the victory, scoring 30 points including a pull-up 3-pointer that stifled the Celtics’ runs repeatedly. James Harden contributed 17 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Tobias Harris tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the Boston side, Jaylen Brown recorded 24 points and six rebounds, while Marcus Smart had 14 points. No other player on the team scored in double digits. Boston shot 39.8% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range, with Derrick White hitting only 2 of 6 shots off the floor for a total of 7 points and 5 rebounds. Philadelphia dominated the rebounding battle, securing a 49-36 advantage while also shooting well from distance at 40%.
The win for Philadelphia secured them a complete game at home for Game 6, giving them a chance to close out the series and advance to the Conference Finals.