Nila Kartika Wati
March 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA – The Boston Celtics secured a dominant 114-98 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, propelled by a career-defining performance from center Neemias Queta. Queta poured in a personal best of 27 points, complemented by a commanding 17 rebounds, setting the tone for the Celtics’ relentless attack. Jaylen Brown provided crucial offensive support, narrowly missing a triple-double with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The win, played out before a raucous crowd at TD Garden, further solidified Boston’s standing in the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia grappled with the significant void left by the absence of their star center, Joel Embiid.
Celtics Dominate on Both Ends of the Floor
Boston’s offensive efficiency was on full display throughout the contest. Beyond the stellar outings from Queta and Brown, Derrick White contributed a well-rounded 21 points, alongside six rebounds and eight assists. The veteran presence of Nikola Vucevic also proved vital, as he chipped in 11 points and a substantial 12 rebounds, underscoring the Celtics’ rebounding advantage. This dominance on the boards was a significant factor in the game, with Boston holding a commanding 59-37 edge over the 76ers. The Celtics also capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting a near-perfect 18 of their 21 attempts.
Queta’s Late-Game Heroics Seal the Victory
The Philadelphia 76ers mounted a spirited comeback in the latter stages of the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to 103-97 with just over four minutes remaining. However, Neemias Queta, who had already delivered a career-high scoring performance, stepped up once again. His clutch layup and subsequent two successful free throws extended Boston’s lead to an insurmountable 109-98 with 2:36 left on the clock. This decisive surge effectively extinguished any lingering hopes of a 76ers rally, allowing the Celtics to cruise to their second victory in four regular-season matchups against Philadelphia this season.
76ers’ Offense Stalls Without Embiid
On the Philadelphia side, Tyrese Maxey continued to be the primary offensive engine, leading all scorers for his team with 33 points. Maxey showcased his scoring prowess, knocking down four of his eleven three-point attempts. VJ Edgecombe provided a strong secondary scoring punch with 23 points for the 76ers. Despite their offensive efforts, Philadelphia struggled to overcome Boston’s defensive pressure and rebounding superiority. The 76ers managed to force 15 turnovers from the Celtics, but this was not enough to offset their deficits in other key statistical categories. Andre Drummond and Dominick Barlow offered support with double-digit rebounds and points respectively, with Drummond recording 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Barlow added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Embiid’s Injury Looms Large Over 76ers’ Season
The absence of Joel Embiid, sidelined due to a strained right oblique, was palpable for the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid sustained the injury during the 76ers’ 124-117 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The team has announced that Embiid will undergo further evaluation after Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz. This latest setback adds to Embiid’s injury-plagued season, as he has managed to play in only 33 games thus far. His season averages of 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists highlight his critical role in the 76ers’ offensive scheme and overall success. His extended absence poses a significant challenge for Philadelphia as they navigate the crucial latter part of the regular season.
Game Chronology: A Tale of Two Halves
The game began with a tightly contested first quarter, with the Philadelphia 76ers emerging with a narrow 28-26 lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter as the Boston Celtics unleashed an offensive surge. Outscoring the 76ers 36-22 in the period, Boston established a commanding 62-50 lead by halftime. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Baylor Scheierman at the end of the first half served as a potent punctuation mark to Boston’s dominant second quarter. Neemias Queta was instrumental in this first-half surge, recording 16 points and 12 rebounds by the break, already indicating his potential for a career night.
The Celtics extended their advantage to 16 points early in the third quarter, seemingly poised to run away with the game. Yet, the 76ers demonstrated resilience, fighting back to narrow the deficit to 89-83 entering the final quarter. Philadelphia continued to chip away at Boston’s lead in the early stages of the fourth, at one point cutting the deficit to just five points. This period of sustained pressure from the 76ers set the stage for the tense final minutes, which were ultimately decided by Queta’s late-game heroics.
Series Tied as Regular Season Nears Conclusion
Sunday’s matchup marked the fourth regular-season encounter between these two Eastern Conference rivals. With this victory, the Boston Celtics have leveled the season series against the Philadelphia 76ers at two wins apiece. As the NBA regular season approaches its conclusion, these head-to-head results often carry weight in tie-breaking scenarios and playoff seeding. The Celtics, under the guidance of head coach Joe Mazzulla, continue to build a strong case for a top seed in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their depth and ability to win even without a fully healthy roster. Conversely, the 76ers, coached by Nick Nurse, face the daunting task of maintaining their competitive edge and securing a favorable playoff position while navigating the critical absence of their franchise cornerstone, Joel Embiid. The ongoing health of Embiid will undoubtedly be a primary storyline for Philadelphia as they aim to contend in the highly competitive Eastern Conference playoffs.
Implications for Eastern Conference Landscape
The victory for the Boston Celtics not only adds a crucial win to their record but also serves as a statement of their resilience and depth. The ability of players like Neemias Queta to step into larger roles and deliver career-defining performances is a testament to the team’s development and coaching. This win strengthens their grip on a top-tier playoff seed, potentially securing home-court advantage in the early rounds.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, the loss, coupled with the extended absence of Joel Embiid, raises questions about their immediate championship aspirations. While Tyrese Maxey and other players are performing admirably, Embiid’s unique ability to command the paint, score from all levels, and anchor the defense is irreplaceable. The 76ers will need to find a way to consistently win against strong opponents without him, a significant challenge in the Eastern Conference. Their performance in the coming weeks, particularly their ability to adapt and remain competitive without their star, will be closely monitored by analysts and fans alike. The team’s medical staff and coaching staff will be focused on managing Embiid’s recovery effectively, ensuring he is ready for the high-stakes environment of the postseason, should they qualify with a strong enough seed. The broader impact of this game extends beyond the standings, highlighting the critical importance of player health in the grueling NBA season and the ability of teams to adapt to adversity. The Celtics’ strong performance, particularly from their supporting cast, suggests they are well-equipped to handle the rigors of a deep playoff run, while the 76ers face a more uncertain path ahead.
Joko Widodo
admin
Lina Irawan
Jia Lissa
Yuyun Lusiyani