Tuesday night delivered two first-round upsets that reshuffled the early playoff narrative. In Boston, a rebuilt Philadelphia 76ers team stunned the defending conference contenders. In San Antonio, the Trail Blazers capitalized on a devastating injury to Victor Wembanyama to steal Game 2 on the road.

Both series are now tied. Both just got a lot more interesting.


Philadelphia 76ers 111, Boston Celtics 97 - Series Tied 1-1

BOSTON -- The Philadelphia 76ers walked into TD Garden and delivered the kind of performance that changes a series.

Behind 30 points and 10 rebounds from rookie VJ Edgecombe and 29 points with nine assists from Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia controlled the game from the second quarter on, pulling away for a 111-97 win that evens the series at one game apiece.

Edgecombe was the story. The rookie, playing on one of the biggest stages of his young career, was composed, physical, and efficient. He attacked the paint, finished through contact, and never let the moment slow him down.

"He's ready," Maxey said afterward. "I don't think the stage is too big for him at all."

Maxey was equally effective, running the offense with precision and punishing Boston's defense in the pick-and-roll. Paul George added 19 points and provided the kind of calm, veteran presence Philadelphia needed during Boston's inevitable runs.

The Celtics led 28-25 after one quarter, but the 76ers responded with a dominant second period, outscoring Boston decisively to take a 62-54 lead into halftime. From that point forward, Philadelphia never surrendered control.

Jaylen Brown was relentless for Boston, finishing with 36 points in a performance that ultimately wasn't enough. Jayson Tatum added 19, but the Celtics' supporting cast went cold at the wrong time and never found the sustained offensive rhythm that could have shifted the game's momentum.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET in Philadelphia.


Portland Trail Blazers 104, San Antonio Spurs 102 - Series Tied 1-1

SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Spurs were already in a fight. Then they lost their best player.

Victor Wembanyama -- the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and the cornerstone of San Antonio's playoff hopes -- exited Game 2 after entering the NBA's concussion protocol. Without him for the majority of the contest, the Spurs were left searching for answers they couldn't find, and the Portland Trail Blazers made them pay.

Scoot Henderson finished with 31 points, turning in the most complete playoff performance of his career. He controlled tempo, created for teammates, and delivered when it mattered most. Jrue Holiday added 16 steady points, Deni Avdija contributed 14, and Robert Williams provided 11 points and nine rebounds as Portland's depth held up throughout.

The Spurs competed. Stephon Castle scored 18 points and played with poise beyond his years. Devin Vassell matched him with 16, and San Antonio's resilience was evident even without their anchor.

Vassell had one final chance, catching a pass with a defender draped over him and launching a shot at the buzzer. It rimmed out. Trail Blazers win, 104-102.

Injury Update: The Spurs confirmed Wednesday that Wembanyama has been diagnosed with a concussion. He will undergo additional testing, and his availability for Game 3 remains uncertain.

The series is tied 1-1. But the story -- and the concern in San Antonio -- begins and ends with No. 1.