76ers vs Celtics Match Player Stats – Box Score, Top Scorers, Breakdown

The Boston Celtics secured a decisive 114-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2026, at TD Garden. Neemias Queta delivered a career-defining performance, recording his first career double-double and leading all scorers with 27 points while pulling down 17 rebounds.

Boston’s dominant second quarter proved decisive, erasing an early deficit and building a comfortable lead the 76ers could not overcome. Philadelphia’s three-game winning streak came to an end, while the Celtics extended their winning streak to two games heading into their next matchup against Milwaukee.

Who Won the 76ers vs Celtics Game and Final Score?

The Celtics mounted a strong comeback after trailing by 10 points early in the contest. Philadelphia controlled the opening quarter, shooting efficiently while building their advantage, but Boston’s resilience in the second period shifted momentum permanently in their favor.

Key Insights from the Game

• Boston outscored Philadelphia 36-22 in the second quarter, turning a six-point deficit into an eight-point halftime lead
• Queta recorded his first career double-double with 27 points and 17 rebounds
• Philadelphia shot just 30% in the first quarter (8-for-26), yet still held a lead at the break of the first
• The Celtics never trailed after taking control in the second quarter
• Philadelphia cut a 16-point halftime deficit to 103-97 late in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback
• Boston finished with a 25-15 advantage in the fourth quarter to secure the victory
• Queta’s decisive 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter sealed the 111-98 lead before the final margin was established

Quarter-by-Quarter Score Breakdown

According to ESPN’s game recap, Philadelphia led after the first quarter and built a 10-point edge early, but Boston shot just 30% in the opening period. The Celtics surged in the second quarter, outscoring the 76ers 36-22 to take control and never trailed again.

Top Player Performers in 76ers vs Celtics

Neemias Queta Steals the Show

Neemias Queta delivered the most impactful performance of his career, establishing himself as the dominant force on the court. The Celtics center recorded a career-high 27 points while controlling the glass with 17 rebounds, adding 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block to his impressive stat line.

Queta’s presence in the paint proved decisive, with his defensive stops and offensive rebounds creating second-chance opportunities. His late-game surge, including an 8-0 personal run, extinguished Philadelphia’s comeback hopes and sealed the 114-98 final score.

Tyrese Maxey Leads Philadelphia

Tyrese Maxey led all 76ers scorers with 33 points and contributed 6 assists throughout the contest. Despite his strong individual performance, Maxey struggled late in the game with crucial misses that prevented Philadelphia from completing their comeback attempt.

Supporting Cast Performances

VJ Edgecombe added 23 points for Philadelphia, providing a consistent secondary scoring option alongside Maxey. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed early with scoring and assists before being blocked by Queta during key defensive sequences.

For Boston, Jaylen Brown contributed with assists and three-pointers while Derrick White added multiple threes from beyond the arc. Andre Drummond recorded notable rebounds for the 76ers, though his efforts could not prevent the loss.

Detailed Player Stats: Points, Rebounds, and Assists

Top Scorers Comparison

Full box scores with complete player statistics are available through CBS Sports NBA Game Tracker, which includes detailed play-by-play data, blocks by Queta, and rebounds by Drummond throughout the contest.

Rebounds and Assists Leaders

Queta dominated the glass with 17 rebounds, including multiple offensive boards that gave Boston additional scoring opportunities. His 17 total rebounds represented the highest single-game total for any player in this matchup. Maxey’s 6 assists led Philadelphia’s playmaking efforts, though his late-game decisions proved costly as the 76ers failed to capitalize on their final possessions.

Key Team and Advanced Stats from 76ers vs Celtics

First Quarter Struggles and Comeback

Philadelphia entered the game with momentum from a three-game winning streak and demonstrated that confidence early. The 76ers shot effectively in the opening quarter, building a lead that reached 10 points before Boston found their rhythm. The Celtics’ 30% shooting in the first period (8-for-26) could have spelled disaster, yet their defensive intensity kept them within striking distance.

Second Quarter Turning Point

The Celtics transformed their fortunes dramatically in the second quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 36-22 to seize control of the game. This 14-point swing represented the largest single-quarter differential of the contest and established a lead Boston would never relinquish. Their improved shooting percentage and aggressive offensive rebounding created second-chance points that proved decisive.

Shooting Percentage Analysis

Boston’s inconsistent shooting in the first quarter (30%) contrasted sharply with their dominant second-quarter performance. The Celtics’ ability to overcome poor shooting early while maintaining defensive focus exemplified their resilience as a team. Philadelphia’s shooting percentage declined significantly in the fourth quarter, managing only 15 points compared to Boston’s 25.

Team Standings Implications

Following this victory, the Celtics improved to 52-25, maintaining their position atop the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia fell to 43-35, holding fourth place in their division. Boston prepared to host Milwaukee in their next contest, while the 76ers faced San Antonio, according to ESPN postgame coverage.

Quarter-by-Quarter Progression of the Game

1. First Quarter: Philadelphia established early control, scoring 28 points while holding Boston to 26. The 76ers built a 10-point lead but could not maintain their shooting efficiency throughout the period.
2. Second Quarter: Boston dominated with a 36-22 advantage, erasing the first-quarter deficit and taking an eight-point lead into halftime. The Celtics’ surge included improved shooting and multiple second-chance opportunities.
3. Third Quarter: Philadelphia responded with a 33-27 advantage, climbing back into contention and reducing Boston’s lead to single digits. Maxey and Edgecombe led the offensive charge during this period.
4. Fourth Quarter: Boston reclaimed control with a 25-15 edge, including Queta’s decisive 8-0 run that sealed victory at 111-98 before the final margin settled at 114-98.

Each quarter told a different story, with momentum shifting between both teams throughout the contest. Boston’s ability to respond after early struggles and maintain composure during Philadelphia’s third-quarter rally distinguished their performance as the more complete effort.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

While the core game results and top performer statistics are well-documented through official NBA coverage, detailed breakdowns including bench contributions, shooting percentages, and coaching perspectives remain incomplete in available sources.

Historical Context and Season Implications

This March 2026 matchup marked the second encounter between these Atlantic Division rivals during the 2025-26 NBA season. Their first meeting occurred on November 11, 2025, when Philadelphia secured a 102-100 victory at home. In that earlier contest, Tyrese Maxey contributed 21 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered the game-winning follow slam with just 8.7 seconds remaining.

The contrasting results from each matchup illustrate the competitive balance between these division rivals. Boston’s victory at home demonstrated their ability to execute their game plan effectively, particularly after overcoming a slow start. Philadelphia’s inability to secure a road win despite early success highlighted the challenges they face in hostile environments.

As the regular season progresses toward its conclusion, both teams continue vying for favorable playoff positioning. Boston’s Atlantic Division lead provides them with security, while Philadelphia’s fourth-place standing keeps them in contention for postseason positioning.

Official Sources and Coverage

“Queta’s career-high 27 points spark Celtics to 114-98 win.”

— AP Sports coverage via CBS Sports

The CBS Sports NBA Game Tracker provides comprehensive box score data and play-by-play analysis for this matchup. ESPN’s game recap offers additional context regarding quarter-by-quarter developments and postgame notes regarding team standings and upcoming schedules.

Complete game statistics and detailed player tracking data can be accessed through official NBA league databases, though specific advanced metrics remain unavailable in current reporting. For those interested in comparing across matchups, the Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle – Preview, Lineups and Prediction provides additional sports analysis context.

Final Takeaways from 76ers vs Celtics

Neemias Queta’s breakout performance powered the Boston Celtics to a commanding 114-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, snapping Philadelphia’s winning streak while extending their own. The Celtics overcame early shooting struggles through defensive intensity and second-quarter dominance, never trailing after taking control before halftime. Tyrese Maxey’s 33-point effort proved insufficient for Philadelphia, as late-game misses and Queta’s decisive run ended their comeback hopes. For additional sports coverage, explore the analysis available in the Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – PBKS Wins Thriller by 3 Wickets coverage.

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