Jayson Tatum powered the Boston Celtics to a dominant 119-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA playoffs, delivering 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists while playing the entire first quarter despite returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Celtics seized control early, building a 33-18 lead after the first quarter as Philadelphia managed just two assists on six made field goals. Tatum’s all-around performance — scoring from every level, facilitating from the high post, and defending at an elite level — silenced concerns about his readiness following May’s surgery.
Joel Embiid’s absence loomed large for the 76ers, both defensively and offensively. Without the All-Star center, Boston exploited Philadelphia’s pick-and-roll coverage, repeatedly switching ball-handlers onto Tyrese Maxey and attacking Andre Drummond in the paint.
Adem Bona started in place of Embiid but picked up his second foul within the first 90 seconds after Neemias Queta drew a foul on a Tatum-led play. Though Bona provided rim protection in limited minutes, the Celtics shot 5.5% better than season averages on shots challenged at the rim when Embiid was off the floor — a stark contrast to his 7.1 contests per game last season.
Philadelphia never led after the opening minutes. Maxey, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe struggled to create without Embiid’s gravity, combining for just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting in the first half. Boston’s ball movement and defensive versatility overwhelmed the 76ers’ half-court sets.
The Celtics extended their lead throughout the second half, with Jaylen Brown adding 22 points and Derrick White contributing 18 off the bench. Boston shot 48% from three-point range, hitting 14 of 29 attempts, while Philadelphia managed only 31% from deep.
Turnovers proved costly for Philadelphia, which committed 18 giveaways that Boston turned into 24 points. Quentin Grimes’ late-game turnover and Andre Drummond’s technical foul for goaltending further disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm.
Boston’s bench outscored Philadelphia’s 38-22, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser providing consistent shooting and Neemias Queta adding energy off the pine. The Celtics’ depth and defensive flexibility proved decisive in a game where Philadelphia failed to adjust to Boston’s switching schemes.
With Embiid recovering from an appendectomy on April 9 and questionable for a timely return, the 76ers face an uphill battle to adjust their offensive and defensive identities. Boston’s Game 1 performance signaled they are poised to exploit Philadelphia’s vulnerabilities throughout the series.
How Jayson Tatum’s return impacted the Celtics’ offensive flow
Tatum operated as the primary initiator, using his passing to uncover shooters and big men in advantageous positions. His 10-7-4 first-quarter stat line set the tone, and he finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists while guarding multiple positions.
Why Philadelphia’s pick-and-roll defense failed against Boston’s ball-handlers
The 76ers attempted to hide Tyrese Maxey on Sam Hauser, but Boston’s guards — including Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard — consistently switched onto Maxey and attacked Drummond in the roll, rendering Philadelphia’s scheme ineffective.
What Joel Embiid’s absence meant for both teams’ interior dynamics
Without Embiid, Boston attacked the rim more freely, while Philadelphia lost its primary offensive gravity and defensive anchor, forcing Adem Bona into extended minutes he was not prepared to handle early in the series.
Did Jayson Tatum play the entire first quarter?
Yes, Tatum played the full first quarter despite returning from an Achilles tear, logging 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in that period.
How many three-pointers did the Celtics make in the game?
Boston made 14 three-pointers on 29 attempts, shooting 48% from beyond the arc.