For the second year in a row, the Celtics have erased a 3-2 series deficit to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. They capped that feat in spectacular fashion, with a 112-88 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon in Game 7 at TD Garden.

The hero was the Celtics was Jayson Tatum, who picked up right where he left off after a massive fourth quarter to seal Game 7 in Philadelphia. Tatum didn’t just star in the game, he set a new NBA Game 7 record with 51 points on 17-of-28 shooting, including a 6-of-10 mark from three. He also grabbed 13-rebounds for the first ever 50-10 double-double in Celtics playoff history.

• Right away, the Celtics played with the energy that matched the moment. They quickly picked up a six-point lead, but the Sixers responded with a fast 8-0 run of their own. Although the Celtics briefly regained the lead again, the Sixers closed the quarter on a 14-7 run and led 29-23 after one.

  The Sixers’ lead grew to nine points early in the second quarter. However, in a pivotal play in the game as it looked like the Celtics were reeling, James Harden hit Jaylen Brown with an elbow while going up for a layup. It was ruled a flagrant foul, which reignited both the Celtics and the crowd.

  Shortly after that, Brown was involved in another questionable play when Georges Niang grabbed him from the bench as Brown was trying to get back up the floor. That play resulted in matching technicals.

• James Harden called for the flagrant after this hit on Jaylen Brown pic.twitter.com/TRWpLrEepd

  — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 14, 2023

• Those incidents seemed to spark the Celtics, who went on a 14-4 run after the initial flagrant. The teams went back-and-forth on one-score leads for the rest of the first half, with the Celtics taking a 55-52 advantage into the break.

  In the third quarter, the Celtics moved to put the game away. They opened the frame on a 24-5 run, which at one point included a 15-0 stretch. With their strong play on both ends of the floor, they had an 88-62 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

  The Celtics then used the fourth quarter to put the game away. Tatum hit the scoring mark with about six minutes to go in the game.

• Standing ovation for Jayson Tatum, as his Game 7 scoring record appears on the video board pic.twitter.com/KBatNYTehl

  — Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) May 14, 2023

• Tatum wasn’t the only Celtics player with a big-time performance. Brown finished with 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting, and six rebounds. Malcolm Brogdon was the only other Celtic to finish in double-figures, with 12 points off the bench.

  Meanwhile, the Sixers’ stars failed to make an impact. Tobias Harris led the team with 19 points, followed by Tyrese Maxey with 17. Joel Embiid had 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting, and Harden ended up with nine points while shooting 3-of-11.

  The Celtics are now onto the Eastern Conference Finals, where they’ll play the Miami Heat. Game 1 of that series will be Wednesday in Boston. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub BetMGM Celtics Radio Network.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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