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The Boston Celtics force Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers thanks to clutch play by Jayson Tatum.
The Boston Celtics upset the Philadelphia 76ers 95-86 early on Friday, May 12 to square their Eastern Conference semifinal series at three victories apiece.
Jayson Tatum made four 3-pointers in the last 4:14 of the fourth quarter. He struggled in the first quarter, going 0-for-14, but recovered to end with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on 5-of-21 shooting.
Marcus Smart scored 22 points to lead the Celtics, while Jaylen Brown added 17 more. Al Horford pulled down 11 rebounds, Robert Williams scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, and Malcolm Brogdon had a 16-point contribution.
James Harden scored 13 points and had nine assists, while Joel Embiid scored 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked three shots.
The Sixers, who haven't made it to the Eastern Conference finals since 2001, were boosted by the addition of 26 points from Tyrese Maxey.
Philadelphia has fallen to Boston in the postseason five times since 1982 and is searching for its first playoff series triumph against the Celtics since that time.
For the majority of the first half, the Celtics had a double-digit advantage, but just after halftime, the Sixers rallied in front of a rowdy crowd.
Later in the third quarter, the game became more competitive, and until Tatum and the Celtics' late-game push, neither team was able to lead by more than two points.
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Tatum on Celtics win
Speaking after the game, Tatum said, "Humbly, I'm one of the best basketball players in the world.
"Go through struggles, go through slumps, it's a long game. Thankfully, I got some great teammates that held it down."
The series between the Celtics and 76ers will be decided by Game 7 in Boston on Sunday.
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