Sixers assert themselves as a contender with gutty Christmas win

Tyrese Maxey had 33 points and 12 assists and the 76ers shot 19-for-19 from the foul line as Philadelphia defeated the Boston Celtics in a Christmas Day thriller, 118-114. 

The 11-17 Sixers are still 10 games back of the 22-8 Celtics, but this game showed that in the rare games where Philly has their high-priced trio of Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George together, they're tough to beat.

Boston didn't make it easy. After a Caleb Martin three-pointer put Philadelphia up by 14 points with under five minutes to go, the Celtics forced three turnovers from Maxey as part of an 11-0 run.

Still, the Sixers held on by getting rebounds, and making their free throws. They got out-rebounded for the game but got the boards they needed late. And while the Sixers made four turnovers in the final minutes, they only made two before that.

The 76ers still have issues. Embiid's minutes are limited. George still looks bange dup. But the Sixers have the depth, and Maxey, to hang with the defending champs.