76ers complete historic series comeback to stun Celtics in Game 7

On the next possession, Maxey followed that up with a driving layup to put the 76ers up, 103-98, with just over one minute to play.

When the final buzzer sounded, Maxey finished with 30 points (11-of-18 FG), 11 rebounds and seven assists, his third game with at least 30 points in the series.

Embiid and Maxey are just the third duo in NBA history to each record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a Game 7, joining Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal (2002) and Dolph Schayes and George Yardley (1959).

Another key to Philadelphia's success was VJ Edgecombe, whose 23 points are the most ever recorded by a 76ers rookie in a Game 7. Maurice Cheeks held the previous record with 20 points back in 1979. 

That was no surprise whatsoever when you consider how vital he was to the 76ers responding from a Game 1 dud to even the series up at one game apiece when Embiid was still out of the lineup.

Poor shooting dooms Celtics once again

All signs pointed to this potentially being another first-round exit from the Celtics heading into Saturday's Game 7, largely due to their poor long-range shooting.

The Celtics were 0-3 in the series when shooting below 35% from deep coming into Game 7. That record fell to 0-4 after they went a dismal 13-of-49 (27%) on Saturday. Derrick White stepped up and knocked down a team-high five triples (5-of-16) in a 26-point night, but it was still not enough with three of the team's starters failing to score any points at all after head coach Joe Mazzulla's surprise lineup change.

Jayson Tatum's absence (left knee stiffness) ultimately proved costly, but Boston still had plenty of opportunities and could not capitalize on its home court.

As poorly as the Celtics played, the 76ers deserve a lot of credit heading into their semifinal series with the New York Knicks. The East is wide-open, and the 76ers are showing they could be a real threat.