Boston didn't dominate this game.

They managed it better.

And when the fourth quarter arrived and Philadelphia needed a stop, the Celtics closed the door - calmly, deliberately, and without panic. Final: Boston 108, Philadelphia 100.

First Half: Boston Sets the Table

The Celtics came out with structure and purpose.

Jayson Tatum was a problem from the jump - creating off the dribble, drawing contact, and finding cutters in the paint. Jaylen Brown attacked downhill with aggression, refusing to let the 76ers settle into a defensive rhythm. The ball moved, the looks were clean, and Boston carried a 54-47 lead into halftime.

Philly stayed competitive throughout, but the first half had the feel of a team playing catch-up rather than setting the tone.

Third Quarter: Maxey Takes the Game Over

Then the third quarter happened - and Tyrese Maxey reminded everyone why he's one of the most dangerous guards in the league.

Stepback threes. Midrange pull-ups. Pace control. Maxey was unguardable in stretches, single-handedly swinging the momentum and giving Philadelphia the lead. The Sixers fed off the energy, the crowd got involved, and suddenly what looked like a comfortable Boston night turned into a genuine fight.

Philadelphia didn't just make a run. They took control.

Fourth Quarter: Boston's Identity Wins

This is where the Celtics separated themselves - and this is what good teams do.

Boston slowed it down. They took care of the ball, forced the 76ers into late-shot-clock situations, and refused to let the game become a track meet. Jaylen Brown got to the free-throw line and delivered. Derrick White made timely plays at both ends. And then Tatum put it away - a late pull-up three that pushed the lead to a number Philadelphia couldn't overcome.

Philly couldn't generate clean looks in the final five minutes. Boston made them earn everything - and they came up empty.

Top Performers

Boston Celtics

  • Jayson Tatum: 25 points, 7 assists
  • Jaylen Brown: 25 points, 7 assists
  • Payton Pritchard: 15 points

Philadelphia 76ers

  • Tyrese Maxey: 31 points (best player on the floor for stretches)
  • Paul George: 18 points
  • Kelly Oubre Jr.: 17 points, 6 assists

Why Boston Won

It wasn't about who got hot. It was about who made the right play when the stakes were highest.

Boston's late-game execution was cleaner. Their shot selection in the fourth was sharper. And when Philly made its move, the Celtics didn't flinch - they simply responded with better possessions.

Philadelphia had the run. Boston had the finish.

In the playoffs, the second one is the only one that counts.