On Sunday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics delivered a commanding 114-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, putting an abrupt end to Philadelphia’s three-game winning streak. Boston’s dominance was evident in every key aspect of the game, including rebounding, defense, and scoring inside the paint, emphatically outmatching the Sixers and setting a tone of control throughout the contest.
Neemias Queta’s Career Night Powers Boston’s Center Advantage
Neemias Queta turned in a remarkable performance that stole the spotlight. The Boston center achieved a career-high 27 points along with 16 rebounds—10 of which were offensive—plus three blocks and a steal in just 27 minutes of play. His first-half numbers alone—16 points, 12 rebounds, seven offensive boards, and two blocks—joined an elite company, a feat matched only twice previously in the play-by-play era, most recently by Kevin Garnett in 2003.
Queta’s impact went beyond mere statistics. His hustle and skill unsettled the Sixers repeatedly, highlighted by a steal of an Andre Drummond pass leading to a highlight-reel fast-break dunk. He effortlessly maneuvered through defenders with smooth layups and consistently grabbed offensive rebounds before converting second-chance points. The home crowd recognized his effort with a standing ovation, underscoring how crucial his presence was to Boston’s overwhelming control.
When a backup center approaches Kevin Garnett-level dominance early in a game, it signals deep trouble for the opposing team, a reality Philadelphia painfully experienced on this night.
Celtics Control Rebounding Battle and Energize Offense Despite Cold Three-Point Start
Boston’s superiority on the boards was the defining narrative, out-rebounding the Sixers 58 to 37, including a 19-10 advantage on the offensive glass. This dominance in rebounds fueled second-chance opportunities that kept the Celtics ahead during an early phase when their three-point shooting struggled, hitting just three of their first 13 attempts in the opening quarter.
Jaylen Brown flirted with a triple-double, showcasing his all-around game, while Derrick White contributed 21 points, hitting five three-pointers to stretch the lead. Baylor Scheierman overcame a fractured thumb to drain a buzzer-beating three-pointer that extended Boston’s halftime advantage to 62-50, sending the crowd into rapturous cheers. His thumbs-up celebration perfectly captured the resilience and unexpected moments defining the night.
Nikola Vucevic quietly filled in as Boston’s secondary big man, posting a solid double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Celtics’ blend of size, depth, and energy in the paint overwhelmed the Sixers, who were unable to keep pace physically throughout the contest.
Early Sixers Push Fizzles as Boston Takes Command
The Sixers began the game aggressively, quickly establishing a 10-point lead that suggested a possible upset despite missing two key players. However, after Boston called two quick timeouts, momentum shifted decisively. Philadelphia’s initial spark faded, and the Celtics exerted full control from that point onward.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia’s scoring with 33 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 12-for-34 overall and going 4-for-18 in the first half. While Maxey improved after halftime, his efforts fell short of filling the void left by injured Joel Embiid and the suspended Paul George. VJ Edgecombe also provided energy with 23 points and relentless hustle, notably diving into the stands in the fourth quarter where a brief mishap led to a surprising moment of compassion.
Paul George Absence Creates a Significant Deficit for Philadelphia
The game underscored the impact of Paul George’s suspension on the Sixers. George’s absence leaves a glaring hole, not because he’s a superstar at this stage, but due to his role as a vital secondary scorer and off-ball threat who eases pressure on teammates like Embiid and Maxey. Defensively, his communication and presence help maintain team cohesion, turning vulnerabilities into respectable defense.
George has served over half of his 25-game suspension and is expected to return on March 25. Meanwhile, coach Nick Nurse is forced to improvise with limited options, as Andre Drummond struggled significantly against Queta and recorded a minus rating for the 11th time in 13 games. Drummond’s lack of mobility and diminished defensive capacity were exploited ruthlessly by Boston.
Although the Sixers managed to secure a few wins during George’s absence, games against top-tier opponents on the road without Embiid highlight the limitations of their current lineup.
Upcoming Challenges and Implications for the Sixers
Philadelphia returns home with back-to-back matchups starting Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs, facing the reality that their winning streak has ended and roster weaknesses remain exposed. The Celtics’ convincing victory serves as a stark reminder of Boston’s potential as a formidable opponent in a likely first-round playoff meeting, casting a shadow over Philadelphia’s postseason hopes.
Neemias Queta vs Philly:
27 PTS
17 REB (10 OREB)
3 BLK
10-14 FGThe first Celtic since Robert Parish in 1989 to record 25+ PTS & 10+ OREB in a single game. pic.twitter.com/JMAwbdl8sV
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 2, 2026
