76ers Face Celtics in Thrilling NBA Cup Showdown

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – The Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Boston Celtics on October 31, 2025, in a thrilling NBA Cup matchup that left fans on the edge of their seats. Despite a valiant effort, the 76ers lost the game 117-116, marking their first defeat of the season.

From the opening tip, the Celtics displayed their shooting prowess, quickly establishing an early lead while the 76ers struggled to find their rhythm. Within minutes, it became clear that the Sixers would need a strong push to climb back into the game.

Tyrese Maxey was a standout performer for Philadelphia, posting an impressive 26 points alongside 14 assists and 8 rebounds. Maxey’s offensive skills came in handy when the team needed him most, contributing crucial three-pointers that helped spark several comebacks.

“Even though we fell short, we showed great fight,” Maxey said. “We need to continue to build on that resilience and focus on minimizing turnovers.”

Joel Embiid also contributed significantly, scoring 20 points and showcasing his shot-blocking ability with two blocks. His presence in the paint was pivotal in keeping the game close, especially during the fourth quarter.

Fans were treated to a back-and-forth battle as the 76ers, finding momentum towards the end of the third quarter, began chipping away at the Celtics’ lead. VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17 points each, helping to keep the game competitive.

The Celtics’ reliability from beyond the arc proved to be an advantage as players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White kept the pressure on Philadelphia’s defense. Brown led Boston in scoring with 26 points, cementing his reputation as a clutch shooter.

The intense rivalry between these two teams was evident as both rosters exchanged leads multiple times in the final minutes. While the Sixers executed key plays down the stretch, they were ultimately undone by critical turnovers when the game was on the line.

As they regroup for their upcoming games, the 76ers will need to refine their strategies, particularly focusing on ball security and maintaining their offensive momentum as they look to respond to this narrow defeat.