Image Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

76ers vs Celtics: Tyrese Maxey Scores 40 and VJ Edgecombe Adds 34 as Philadelphia Survives Boston Rally

Image Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a nail-biting 117–116 win over the Boston Celtics in a game that came down to the final possessions. The 76ers vs Celtics matchup once again lived up to its reputation, with both teams battling until the very last possession. Both teams traded blows throughout the night, but it was Philadelphia’s backcourt that ultimately made the difference.

The Sixers shot 39-for-85 from the field, a solid 45.9 percent, and connected on 16 of their 40 three-point attempts. Free throws were another key factor, as they hit 23 of 30 from the line. The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, actually made more field goals overall, going 41-for-91 (45.1 percent), but struggled badly from deep. The Celtics hit just 11 of 43 threes, a cold 25.6 percent, which proved costly despite their strong 88.5 percent showing at the foul line.

Rebounding was nearly even, with Boston holding a slight 42–40 edge. The Celtics also moved the ball well, finishing with 28 assists compared to Philadelphia’s 23. But turnovers told another story as Boston coughed it up 11 times, while the Sixers limited themselves to just 14, keeping the game within reach when momentum swung.

A return to remember for Joel Embiid tonight 🔔

14 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 18 MIN pic.twitter.com/AgnSIryKGn
— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2025

Star Guards Steal the Show

The stars of the night were clear. Tyrese Maxey delivered a career-type performance, scoring 40 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 7-for-9 from three. He also added six assists and two steals, showing poise in crunch time. Freshman standout VJ Edgecombe backed him up with 34 points of his own, hitting five threes and grabbing seven rebounds in 42 minutes. Together, the duo carried Philadelphia’s offense when it mattered most.

For Boston, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown each poured in 25 points. White was aggressive from beyond the arc, hitting four threes and going a perfect 7-for-7 at the line. Brown was efficient inside, shooting 9-for-18 while also pulling down six rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Celtics couldn’t quite overcome their poor perimeter shooting as a team.

The final minutes were tense. Boston had chances to close the gap, but Philadelphia’s defense held firm, forcing contested shots and securing key rebounds. Maxey’s late free throws gave the Sixers just enough cushion to survive a last push from the Celtics.

In the end, the Sixers’ balanced attack and clutch guard play proved decisive. They improved their record with a statement win against one of the league’s toughest opponents, while Boston will look back at missed three-pointers as the difference in a game they could have stolen. The game felt like a classic 76ers vs Celtics battle, decided by clutch shooting and tough defensive stands late.