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Jayson Tatum delivered the dagger moments that mattered most. The Celtics beat the 76ers 108-100 in a playoff thriller, reclaiming control. Game 3 turned the series in Boston’s favor with clutch three-pointers down the stretch.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Celtics 108, 76ers 100 (April 24, 2026, Philadelphia)
- Tatum Performance: 25 points on 5-of-9 three-pointers in just his 19th game back from Achilles surgery
- Series Lead: Boston takes 2-1 advantage in Eastern Conference first-round playoffs
- Brown Contribution: Jaylen Brown added 25 points, including 8 straight late in fourth quarter
Tatum Shines in Clutch Moment, Celtics Seize Control
Jayson Tatum proved his remarkable return is for real. The All-Star connected on a crucial three-pointer with minutes remaining to put the Celtics ahead 100-96. His performance marked his 19th game back following surgery last May. Payton Pritchard followed with a step-back three to extend Boston’s edge to 103-98. Down the stretch, Tatum’s poise and shot-making ability became the difference maker.
The 76ers fought valiantly behind Tyrese Maxey’s 31 points, but late-game execution hurt their chances. Paul George added 18 points for Philadelphia. Missing Joel Embiid due to his appendectomy recovery, the 76ers leaned heavily on their backcourt. Yet Boston’s three-point prowess proved decisive, as the Celtics made 20-of-47 from distance while Philadelphia managed just 12-of-35.
Jayson Tatum hits dagger 3 in Philadelphia as Celtics beat 76ers 108-100 in Game 3
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Brown Ignites Fourth Quarter Fire, Extends Lead
Jaylen Brown took over with authority late. The wing scored eight straight points to build a 96-92 lead that seemed to put Boston in control. His aggressive drives and mid-range success showed why Boston’s “Big Two” remains formidable. Growing pains for the young 76ers squad became obvious.
VJ Edgecombe registered a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds but struggled mightily from three, going 0-for-7 from distance. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond combined for just 22 points while filling in for the injured Embiid. The depth advantage clearly favored Boston’s experience and playoff pedigree.
Three-Point Barrage Decides Close Playoff Battle
| Category | Celtics | 76ers |
| Three-Pointers Made | 20-of-47 | 12-of-35 |
| Tatum 3PT | 5-of-9 | N/A |
| Pritchard 3PT | 5-of-8 | N/A |
| Final Score | 108 | 100 |
Boston’s perimeter prowess has remained the pattern throughout the series. In Game 1, the Celtics made 16 threes during a dominant 123-91 romp. Game 2 saw the 76ers hit 19 three-pointers in their surprising 111-97 victory in Boston. Game 3 belonged firmly to Boston. When the three-point line is a reliable weapon, playoff outcomes typically follow. The Celtics made their shots when it counted.
“Jayson Tatum continued to shine in his return from injury with 25 points…he may just be there and hit the final 3-point dagger for the 106-100 lead.”
— AP/ESPN Game Recap, April 24, 2026
Embiid’s Absence Still Reshaping 76ers Playoff Push
Joel Embiid’s continued absence from Game 3 after his April 9 appendectomy forced difficult lineups. The 76ers are easing their franchise centerpiece back into practice cautiously. This strategic decision left Philadelphia vulnerable against Boston’s offensive firepower. Without their MVP-caliber anchor, only Tyrese Maxey could create consistent offense.
Maxey and emerging VJ Edgecombe have earned respect through two games already, but the franchise still lacks finish in clutch situations without their star big man. Game 4 on Sunday will test whether Philadelphia can maintain competitiveness or if Boston’s experience advantage proves too much during this critical series juncture.
What Does a Celtics Victory in Game 3 Mean for the Series?
Boston’s 2-1 lead is hardly insurmountable in a best-of-seven format, but psychological momentum matters immensely. The Celtics proved they can win on the road against a scrappy opponent, even when Tatum continues his comeback arc. Game 4 on Sunday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena could determine series trajectory. If Boston wins again, they move within one win of advancing. If Philadelphia forces Game 5, the narrative shifts back to Embiid’s health status.
Next game arrives with heightened stakes. Boston’s championship pedigree versus Philadelphia’s youth-fueled resilience will determine the first-round outcome. The three-point barrage and Tatum’s clutch gene suggest the Celtics have more playoff firepower remaining for this series.
Sources
- ESPN – Celtics 108-100 76ers Game Recap (April 24, 2026) with box score and game statistics
- NBA Official – Live Updates, 2026 Eastern Conference First Round Game 3 playoff coverage and scores
- NESN/NBC Sports Boston – Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3 highlights and post-game analysis
