The Philadelphia 76ers kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial road victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, showcasing a remarkable second-half performance led by Joel Embiid. This win came after a disappointing Game 4 loss, and Embiid, who recently returned from an emergency appendectomy, played a pivotal role, scoring 33 points and providing eight assists in 39 minutes.

Despite a slow start where he missed six of his first seven shots, Embiid adapted his game, scoring 18 points in the second half alone. "I started going inside and found some luck," he commented post-game, demonstrating his resilience and skill.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks seized control of their series against the Atlanta Hawks with a commanding 126-97 win, now leading the series 3-2. Jalen Brunson was instrumental, scoring 39 points and dishing out eight assists, particularly excelling in the second half with 22 points.

Key highlights include:

• Embiid's shift from outside shooting to dominating inside play.
• Brunson's efficiency, finishing 15 of 23 from the field and committing just one turnover.
• Quentin Grimes also made a significant impact, contributing 18 points and strong defense, exemplifying the grit needed for the 76ers.

On the flip side, CJ McCollum's performance faltered as he scored only six points after averaging nearly 25 points per game, highlighting the defensive efforts of the Knicks.

As the playoffs continue, both the 76ers and Knicks look to build on their momentum, with Philadelphia aiming to extend their series and New York seeking to clinch their spot in the next round.