The Philadelphia 76ers have made it a series after a 111-97 win in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Although the 76ers didn't have their best player, center Joel Embiid, they proved that they have enough firepower to go against a top-contending team.
The 76ers have rookie guard VJ Edgecombe to thank for leading them to tie the series to 1-1. Edgecombe had 30 points, 10 rebounds and two steals while shooting a very efficient 6-for-10 from deep. He had help from All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who had 29 points and nine assists.
After the win, the 76ers will play Games 3 and 4 in front of their home fans at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Game 3 is Friday night.
Joel Embiid Was Energized by the 76ers' Win
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Embiid has shown his support while he's away from the team, as he recovers from emergency surgery for appendicitis. On X, the former MVP had a simple reaction to the 76ers' performance.
"LFG," Embiid posted.
Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia revealed before Game 2 that Embiid has started his post-appendectomy fitness and conditioning regimen. The organization has not provided a date for his return to play.
Amid his absence, the young backcourt duo of Edgecombe and Maxey has stepped up to lead Philly. Before Game 2, the rookie guard had an honest take on Embiid's injury status. According to him, he has no clue when the NBA star will return, but the team remains focused and determined to do its best against the Celtics.
“We wanna win. Regardless if he’s gonna play or not. We wanna win. We don’t want our season to be over. I mean, it would be great if we keep winning and he comes back, you know? But the most important thing is his health,” Edgecombe said.
“We don’t wanna rush him and I hope nobody is rushing him in that sense. I just hope he goes through whatever he has to go through to be 100%.”
In Philadelphia's 123-91 loss in Game 1, Maxey had 21 points but struggled to make shots, knocking down only one of his four attempts from deep. Edgecombe also had a challenging playoff debut as he finished with 13 points on 37.5% shooting.
Philly hopes to extend its postseason run to allow Embiid to return to the lineup. In his absence, the team has divided his minutes between Adem Bona and Andre Drummond.
