The Boston Celtics couldn't complete the comeback at home, falling 118-114 to the rival Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas

BOSTON (AP) — Joel Embiid popped up from a pregame fall and scored 27 points with nine rebounds, making 4 of 5 from 3-point range and sinking a pair of free throws with 3 seconds left to turn back Boston's final rally and lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-114 victory on Wednesday.

But Maxey zipped past Pritchard and found a clear lane to the basket, where he put in an off-balance layup just before time expired. The play all but finished off the Celtics in this 118-114 loss, and it was an example of the uncharacteristic missteps that doomed them.

In picture. A win on Wednesday could give the Sixers the advantage and move them one spot closer as they would come up on the heels of the Detroit Pistons.But Wednesday’s Christmas Day slate game is far from a locked win for Philadelphia.

Tyrese Maxey collected 33 points and 12 assists to lead the visiting Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

The Philadelphia 76ers make a statement on Christmas Day with a road win over the defending champion Boston Celtics.

Coming off a frustrating loss to the Orlando Magic, the Celtics came home for the holidays to face the the Philadelphia 76ers in a Christmas Day matchup. Sadly, the 76ers played the Grinch to the fans at TD Garden,