Embiid shakes off pregame slump, leads Sixers to 118-114 win over Celtics | News, Sports, Jobs

Jaylen Brown (7) of the Boston Celtics drives past Joel Embiid (21) of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Boston (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Editor

BOSTON (AP) — Joel Embiid emerged from a pregame fall and scored 27 points with nine rebounds, making 4 of 5 from 3-point range and hitting a pair of free throws with 3 seconds left to pull back Boston’s final rally and lead the game. The Philadelphia 76ers earned a 118-114 victory on Wednesday.

Tyrese Maxey had 33 points and 12 assists. He scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a quick release layup to open a seven-point lead with about a minute left after the Sixers put the ball away with 1.1 seconds on the shot clock. Caleb Martin scored 23, hitting 7 of 9 from 3-point range.

Jayson Tatum scored 32 with 15 rebounds for Boston, Jaylen Brown scored 23 and Derrick White scored 21. Boston wore red socks and leggings with their green jerseys for an extra dose of Christmas spirit.

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed all but nine games this season due to injuries, did not return in the second half. The team said he was dealing with an ankle injury.

Takeaways

76ers: If Embiid stays healthy, the Sixers can finally topple them in the Eastern Conference.

Celtics: Lost twice in a row for the first time this season.

Key moment

Embiid fell and grabbed his ankle during pregame warmups, but started and played 31 minutes wearing a black mask to protect his fractured sinus. He limped to the free throw line after being fouled on a drive to the basket with two minutes remaining and Philadelphia leading 108-105.

He made both free throws and sank two more with 3 seconds left after the Celtics cut a nine-point lead to 116-114 in the final minute.

Key statistic

The Celtics trailed by 16 points, 52-36, in the third quarter – their largest home deficit this season.

To be continued

The Sixers travel to Utah on Saturday in the second game of a six-game road trip.

Boston hosts Indiana Friday and Sunday.

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