Boston Celtics used a balanced offensive attack and a decisive second-half run to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The Celtics controlled the game after halftime, turning a competitive first half into a comfortable road win behind sharp perimeter shooting and disciplined defense.
Philadelphia stayed within striking distance early, but Boston’s depth and ball movement proved too much over 48 minutes. The Celtics won the third quarter 32-23 and never allowed the 76ers to mount a serious fourth-quarter comeback.
Match overview
Boston led 28-25 after the first quarter and 62-54 at halftime, relying on quick ball reversals and timely three-point shooting. Philadelphia’s interior scoring kept the hosts close, but the 76ers struggled to contain Boston’s wings on the perimeter.
The third quarter was the turning point. Boston opened with a 15-2 run, forcing Philadelphia into turnovers and rushed shots. The Celtics’ defense tightened on the ball, and their transition offense turned stops into easy baskets. By the end of the period, Boston led 94-77 and had taken firm control.
Tactical story
Boston finished with 31 assists and 18 made three-pointers, a clear sign of its offensive fluidity. The Celtics repeatedly attacked Philadelphia’s closeouts and found open shooters on the weak side. Their 9 turnovers were a season-best marker of control, and they limited the 76ers to 9 made threes.
Philadelphia shot 44% from the field but committed 17 turnovers, many of which came during Boston’s decisive third-quarter run. The 76ers’ half-court offense became predictable late in possessions, and Boston’s help defense forced difficult contested jumpers.
Key stretch
The game-breaking sequence came midway through the third. Boston scored 12 straight points over a two-minute span, turning a nine-point lead into a 21-point cushion. Philadelphia called timeout, but the Celtics maintained their defensive intensity and kept the hosts at arm’s length the rest of the way.
Standout performers
Boston’s perimeter players controlled the game, combining for efficient shooting and smart decision-making. The bench added timely scoring and defensive energy, while the frontcourt protected the paint and screened effectively in the pick-and-roll. Philadelphia’s interior players produced respectable numbers, but the backcourt struggled against Boston’s pressure.
Atlantic Division impact
The 123-101 win gives Boston an important head-to-head result in the NBA Eastern Conference and strengthens its standing in the Atlantic Division race. Philadelphia will need to clean up its turnover issues and find more consistent perimeter shooting to keep pace. For Boston, the performance was a reminder of how dangerous the team can be when its defense and three-point shooting click at the same time.