Joel Embiid scores 33 points as Philadelphia 76ers beat Boston Celtics
Joel Embiid scored 33 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers avoid playoff elimination with a 113-97 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
The seventh-seeded visitors trailed by 13 points in the third quarter before mounting a crucial comeback to keep their season alive.
Tyrese Maxey provided vital support for the away side with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Paul George also added 16 points and nine rebounds to ensure the first-round series extends to at least a sixth match.
Embiid shines after recent surgery
Playing in only his second game since undergoing an emergency appendectomy, the star center anchored a stunning turnaround.
He delivered 13 points in the second quarter and added another 10 in the third as Philadelphia seized control.
A decisive 12-0 scoring run transformed a narrow three-point advantage into a comfortable 15-point cushion.
The dominant defensive effort subsequently restricted their Eastern Conference rivals to a mere 11 points in the final quarter.
Series heads back to Philadelphia
Boston had previously taken a commanding 3-1 series lead following consecutive victories on the road.
Jayson Tatum recorded 24 points and 16 rebounds for the hosts, while Jaylen Brown contributed 22 points in a losing effort.
Game six will take place in Pennsylvania on Thursday night.
If the Sixers emerge victorious again in front of their home fans, a decisive seventh game will be held in Massachusetts on Saturday.