Celtics Cruise Past Sixers in Game 1

Boston's depth and balanced attack prove too much for short-handed Philadelphia

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:18pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the raw energy and athleticism of two basketball players driving to the hoop, their faces and jerseys dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Celtics' dynamic duo of Tatum and Brown lead the team to a dominant Game 1 victory, setting the stage for a potential second-round showdown with the Knicks.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers from start to finish in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, winning comfortably 115-90. Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 26 points. The Celtics shot 50% from the field and had 31 assists as a team, showcasing their offensive firepower and depth against a Sixers squad missing star center Joel Embiid.

Why it matters

The Celtics' decisive victory in Game 1 establishes them as the heavy favorites in this series, especially with the Sixers still missing their best player in Embiid. Boston's balanced attack and ability to get contributions from multiple players makes them a tough out for any opponent in the playoffs.

The details

The Celtics jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, building a 20-point advantage by halftime. The Sixers made a brief run to cut the deficit to 15 in the third quarter, but the Celtics quickly regained control and extended their lead to as much as 35 points. Tatum and Brown led the way offensively, but the Celtics also got strong performances from Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard off the bench.

  • The Celtics won Game 1 on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Game 1 victory.

Jaylen Brown

Tatum's co-star scored 26 points and played at an MVP level throughout the regular season.

Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics' head coach praised his team's depth and professionalism in the win.

Tyrese Maxey

The Sixers' guard led the team with 21 points in the loss.

Nick Nurse

The Sixers' head coach will need to make adjustments after the lopsided defeat.

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What they’re saying

“I thought our fans were great and helped us get off to a great start. Playoff basketball in Boston. It means more.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Head Coach

“That's the most excited, relaxed, and grateful I've been in my nine years in the playoffs.”

— Jayson Tatum

What’s next

The Celtics and Sixers will play Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Boston.

The takeaway

The Celtics' dominant performance in Game 1 showcased their depth, balance, and ability to overwhelm opponents even without their best player at full strength. With Tatum and Brown leading the way, and contributions coming from across the roster, Boston looks primed for a deep playoff run.