But Maxey zipped past Pritchard and found a clear lane to the basket, where he put in an off-balance layup just before time expired. The play all but finished off the Celtics in this 118-114 loss, and it was an example of the uncharacteristic missteps that doomed them.

The Boston Celtics couldn't complete the comeback at home, falling 118-114 to the rival Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas

Yet another lower-leg injury sent Kristaps Porzingis to the locker room during the Celtics’ Christmas Day matchup with the 76ers.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid discusses the struggles of Paul George following a win over the Boston Celtics.

BOSTON — Joel Embiid popped up from a pre-game fall and scored 27 points with nine rebounds, making 4 of 5 from 3-point range and sinking a pair of free throws with three seconds left to turn back Boston’s final rally and lead the 76ers to a 118-114 victory at TD Garden on Wednesday.

Joel Embiid popped up from a pregame fall and scored 27 points with nine rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-114 victory over the Boston Celtics.

Jayson Tatum was a significant absence for the Celtics. He was a late scratch due to illness, and Boston's lack of a genuine creator was felt throughout the night. Rather than their fluid ball and player movement,