Post by : Maya Rahman

With just 8.7 seconds on the clock, Kelly Oubre Jr. scored the decisive basket, propelling the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 102-100 victory against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. Oubre's game-winner was set up by an offensive rebound after teammate Justin Edwards’ missed shot, igniting cheers from the Wells Fargo Center crowd and sealing a high-stakes win for Philadelphia over one of their major Eastern Conference rivals.

Rookie Justin Edwards played a pivotal role for the 76ers, notching a season-best 22 points with an impressive shooting rate of 8-of-9 from the field. Although his last attempt missed, it paved the way for Oubre’s last-second heroics, as his sharp outside shooting proved crucial in turning the tide during the contest.

Tyrese Maxey also shone in the matchup, recording 21 points and nine assists despite a shooting struggle (5-for-17). His leadership provided a significant boost for the team. Off the bench, Quentin Grimes tallied 18 points, contributing a vital half-court shot at the end of the third quarter that kept the 76ers competitive.

Leading the Celtics, Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points, while Derrick White added 18 points and seven assists. Anfernee Simons also chipped in with 17 points. However, White's shooting inconsistency (7-for-20) hampered Boston's chances, particularly in the closing stretches. Although the Celtics managed a late-game tie, they were unable to capitalize on a final opportunity to regain the lead.

Trailing by eight points with just six minutes left, Philadelphia surged back, spurred on by Edwards’ quick-fire three-pointers that shifted the momentum in their favor. A long-range shot from VJ Edgecombe later gave the 76ers a brief 100-96 lead, but Boston rallied with a three from White and a free throw by Brown, leveling the score at 100 with 33 seconds remaining.

On the subsequent play, after Edwards missed a mid-range jumper, Oubre’s rebound and putback changed the game’s course, granting Philadelphia a 102-100 lead. Boston's attempts to answer fell short as Andre Drummond thwarted White’s last effort, and a hurried tip-in from Neemias Queta missed its mark just as the buzzer rang. Drummond ended the night with 14 points and 13 rebounds, solidifying the 76ers’ defensive effort.

In the first half, both teams exchanged the lead multiple times before Philadelphia began to assert control. The Sixers held a slim 23-22 lead after the first quarter, then tightened their defense to limit Boston to only 19 points in the second period. With Brown scoring just five points during this stretch, the 76ers cruised into halftime with a 51-41 advantage.

Following the break, Boston increased their intensity with an 11-0 run to regain the lead. Derrick White's scoring spree late in the third sealed the frame for the Celtics. Yet, Quentin Grimes managed a stunning half-court buzzer-beater, narrowing the gap to 77-71 as they entered the fourth quarter.

The final quarter was charged with excitement as both teams exchanged scores. Anfernee Simons hit consecutive threes, pushing Boston ahead 85-77; however, Philadelphia, driven by Edwards, Oubre, and Maxey, dug deep to secure the lead in the closing minutes, setting the stage for Oubre’s dramatic finish.

This victory not only boosts Philadelphia’s early-season momentum but also represents a significant moment for Oubre, showcasing his prowess in clutch moments. For Boston, the close loss offers lessons in resilience. Fans were treated to an electrifying display of Eastern Conference basketball, filled with thrilling shifts and standout performances.

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