The Philadelphia 76ers are breathing new life into their season after a commanding 106-93 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Thursday. Down 3-1 in the series just days ago, the Sixers have clawed back to force a winner-take-all Game 7 at TD Garden on Saturday. It's the kind of resilience that defines championship-caliber teams—and here are the three biggest takeaways from this thrilling win.
1. Paul George Is Playing Like a Star on Both Ends
Paul George was arguably Philadelphia's best player on the court Thursday night. Not only did he score efficiently—finishing with 23 points—but he also locked down defensively on Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. His 10-point third quarter, featuring several tough, contested shots, kept Boston at bay and stabilized the Sixers' offense when they needed it most. "He was great," said head coach Nick Nurse. "I've been saying it the whole series: he's been excellent on defense. Those two guys are great wings, and he battles them every possession. Offensively, he's getting more confident each game. When you need a big bucket to settle things down, he delivers." If this version of George shows up in Game 7, the Sixers have a real shot at advancing.
2. Kelly Oubre Jr. Brings the Grit That Wins Games
Kelly Oubre Jr. may not be putting up the flashy scoring numbers he did in the regular season, but his impact in Game 6 was undeniable. The 11-year veteran out of Kansas grabbed 14 points and nine rebounds while switching between Tatum and Brown on defense alongside George. His hustle on the boards and relentless energy were crucial in keeping the Celtics from gaining second-chance opportunities. In a series where every possession matters, Oubre's grit is exactly what the Sixers need—and he deserves major credit for stepping up when it counts.
3. The Supporting Cast Steps Up in a Must-Win Game
While Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 30 points and five assists, and Joel Embiid posted a near-triple-double (19 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists), it was the depth that truly shined. VJ Edgecombe added 14 points and eight rebounds, giving Philadelphia a reliable spark off the bench. The Sixers' ability to get contributions from multiple players—especially in a high-pressure elimination game—shows a team that's finding its rhythm at the perfect time. With Game 7 looming, this balanced attack could be the key to pulling off the comeback.
From clutch performances to defensive grit, the Sixers are proving they're not ready to go home. Game 7 is set for Saturday in Boston, and if Philadelphia brings this same intensity, they might just write one of the most memorable playoff stories of the year.