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Tatum, Celtics Rally from 26 Down, Wow Fans in Win vs. 76ers with Embiid, George Out

Zach BacharContributor IFebruary 3, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics prepares to shoot a free throw against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 2, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Jayson Tatum spearheaded an incredible comeback by the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers by the final score of 118-110 at the Wells Fargo Center.

Boston Celtics @celtics

Comeback complete ✅ <a href="https://t.co/AGXS2uQ6KN">pic.twitter.com/AGXS2uQ6KN</a>

With Boston maintaining a three-point advantage with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Tatum connected on a shot from just inside the arc to give his team a two-possession lead.

Philadelphia wasn't able to get any closer throughout the rest of the game.

The Celtics trailed by as many as 26 points in the third quarter of the contest, but they outscored Philadelphia 38-16 in the fourth quarter to win their third straight game.

The victory represented a tie for the largest comeback in the NBA this season.

NBA @NBA

JAYSON TATUM TAKES OVER TO LEAD BOSTON'S 26-POINT 2ND HALF COMEBACK 😤😤<br><br>☘️ 35 PTS | 11 AST | 7 REB | 13-20 FGM ☘️<br><br>This <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@celtics</a> comeback ties the largest comeback of the season! <a href="https://t.co/xNMhXkVx4d">pic.twitter.com/xNMhXkVx4d</a>

Tatum finished with 35 points, hitting a variety of step-back jumpers from all over the court. He shot 13-20 from the field, connecting on five of his eight attempts from behind the arc.

Boston Celtics @celtics

BACK IN FRONT 😤 <a href="https://t.co/Zzo0NkRLAR">pic.twitter.com/Zzo0NkRLAR</a>

The five-time All-Star routinely made the correct decisions with the ball in his hands, pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out a game-high 11 assists while committing just three turnovers.

Fans were amazed by the effort from Tatum and the Celtics.

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA

What a blitz this has been by Boston. Messed around for about 33 minutes and have been absolute nails for the last nine minutes.<br><br>Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown making plays on both ends. And Celtics have gotten a huge lift from Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet.

Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan @NekiasNBA

It should only take you three Celtic games, at most, to really "get" Jayson Tatum and everything he provides &amp; unlocks for the Celtics on both ends.<br><br>Two-way force.

Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbach

Celtics just went on a 39-10 run in 9 minutes. Sheesh.

Marc D'Amico @Marc_DAmico

The Celtics, once down by 26, now lead 103-100 with 6:20 left in the 4Q. What an incredible turnaround in Philly, led by a ridiculous offensive performance thus far from Jayson Tatum (31 points, 11-17 FGs, 9 asts).

Jay King @ByJayKing

The Celtics have outscored the 76ers 39-10 since the 2:56 mark of the third quarter. It took about nine minutes for Boston to wipe away all of a 26-point deficit and then some.

Owen O'Connor @owenoc16

Jayson Tatum's MVP case was revived today.

Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie

The Celtics trailed by 26 at one point here in Philadelphia<br><br>With Jayson Tatum at the helm, Boston now leads 105-103

Dante Turo @DanteOnDeck

Jayson Tatum is doing Jayson Tatum stuff.

Jaylen Brown chipped in with 21 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 52.9 percent from the field. He also racked up six assists of his own.

It was a disappointing loss by the 76ers, who were missing Joel Embiid and Paul George due to their respective knee and finger issues.

Tyrese Maxey led the way for Philadelphia by scoring 34 points, shooting 9-21 from the field.

The 76ers fell to 19-29 with the defeat, while the Celtics improved to 35-15 and are 5.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings.