TYRESE Maxey stepped up in the endgame as Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a 109-100 victory over Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference first round series on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines) at Boston, Massachusetts.
Holding to a slim 99-98 lead with over two minutes left, Maxey converted consecutive tough layups against the defense of Celtics center Neemias Queta for a 103-98 lead.
Maxey also displayed his steadiness from the free throw line by knocking down four charities before rookie VJ Edgecombe sealed the upset win with two more free throws.
Maxey finished with 30 points to go with 11 rebounds and seven assists as the 76ers completed their fight back from a 1-3 series deficit to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Joel Embiid led the way with 34 points and 12 rebounds, while Edgecombe and Paul George had 23 and 13, respectively, for the 76ers, which will next face the no. 3 seed New York Knicks.
Jaylen Brown top-scored for the Celtics with 33 points, Derrick White added 26 markers, while Queta, Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser had 17, 13, and 11 points, respectively.
In Houston, Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after eliminating Rockets with a 98-78 Game 6 victory in their best-of-seven first round series.
LeBron James led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as the fourth-seeded Lakers closed out the first-round series. They will next face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rui Hachimura added 21 points, including five three-pointers, while Austin Reaves contributed 15 points in his second game back from injury. Deandre Ayton chipped in seven points and 16 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Toronto Raptors forced a Game 7 against Cleveland Cavaliers with a 112-110 Game 6 win, while Detroit Pistons rallied from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic, 93-79, to also forced a winner take all game./PN
