Joel Embiid and James Harden sparked a Philadelphia 76ers romp while the Boston Celtics cruised to victory behind Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in NBA playoff openers on Saturday.

NBA scoring champion Embiid scored 26 points while NBA assists champion Harden added 23 points and 13 assists in the Sixers' 121-101 rout of visiting Brooklyn.

The host Sixers, who led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage, sank a club playoff record 21 3-pointers in 43 attempts to seize a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven opening series, which continues Monday in Philadelphia.

"(That) was a good win for us," Harden said. "We'll be watching film. Game two is going to be the toughest game of the series for us. We'll be ready to go."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-heat-timberwolves-enter-playoffs-as-number-8-seed-to-complete-bracket-582718">Heat, Timberwolves enter Playoffs as number 8 seed to complete bracket</a>

The Celtics ripped visiting Atlanta 112-99 behind 29 points and 12 rebounds from Brown and 25 points and 11 rebounds from Tatum.

Brown played with a wrapping on cut fingers and a protective mask he has had for two months due to a facial fracture.

"Got to come out and be ready to go," he said. "My team depends on me. My city depends on me. I don't make no excuses. I come out and play ball."

The first NBA playoff nail-biter came at Cleveland, where Jalen Brunson scored 21 of his team-high 27 points in the second half to lead New York over Cleveland 101-97.

The host Cavaliers, who had 38 points from Donovan Mitchell in a losing cause, went on a 9-0 run for a 93-92 lead before the Knicks reclaimed the lead.

Brunson's driving layup boosted the Knicks ahead 99-95 but Jarrett Allen's dunk tightened the game for Cleveland. A Brunson miss was rebounded by New York's Julius Randle, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and that set up two clinching Knicks free throws by Quentin Grimes.

"They don't quit. They just kept fighting," Brunson said of the Cavs. "We kept our composure. Made plays down the stretch, made a couple of huge stops. We just kept fighting, kept sticking together and stayed poised."

The Western Conference opener later sends defending champion Golden State to Sacramento, where the host Kings make their first playoff appearance since 2006.

Philadelphia's Embiid, the NBA season scoring leader with 33.1 points a game, went 7-of-15 from the floor but the Cameroonian star was 11-of-11 from the free throw line.

Harden, who hit 7-of-13 from 3-point range, became the first player in 76ers history with 20 points, 10 assists and five 3-pointers in one contest.

He also helped eight Sixers in all to make 3-pointers.

"Just finding ways to impact the game possession by possession," said Harden, a former Nets backcourt star.

"It's the playoffs. Things don't go the way you want as much as you want them to. You've got to keep pushing, keeping fighting, and I'm happy we got a win."

In the times the Nets stifled Embiid, Harden picked them apart with inside moves, skilled shotmaking and precision passing.

"I've been doing it for a very, very long time at the highest level so it's pretty easy," Harden said. "As long as I get into the paint and create good shots, I'm doing my job. Most of the time my teammates are making the shots."

Philadelphia made a club one-half playoff record of 13 3-pointers on the way to a 67-58 halftime edge.

Brooklyn's Mikal Bridges scored a game-high 30 points, but only seven in the second half.

<h2>Come out locked in</h2>

At Boston,&nbsp;Derrick White contributed 24 points for Boston, which used a 20-3 second-quarter run to seize a 74-44 half-time lead.

The Hawks, led by Dejounte Murray's 24 points, rallied in the second half but could not mount a sustained threat.

"Starts on defense," Brown said. "Coming out and being locked in defensively. That's a good young team. We've got to give them respect and come out and play them tight and stay aggressive."

Brown wants to avoid second-half fades after building big leads.

"That's the journey for us, to stay and keep that mentality locked in throughout the playoffs, 48 minutes throughout the game," he said.

"Tonight we waned a little bit but we will pick it up as the playoffs go on."

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Joel Embiid and James Harden sparked a Philadelphia 76ers romp while the Boston Celtics cruised to victory behind Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in NBA playoff openers on Saturday.

Joel Embiid and James Harden sparked a Philadelphia 76ers romp while the Boston Celtics cruised to victory behind Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in NBA playoff openers on Saturday. NBA scoring champion Embiid scored 26 points while NBA assists champion Harden added 23 points and 13 assists in the Sixers' 121-101 rout of visiting Brooklyn. The host Sixers, who led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage, sank a club playoff record 21 3-pointers in 43 attempts to seize a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven opening series, which continues Monday in Philadelphia. "(That) was a good win for us," Harden said. "We'll be watching film. Game two is going to be the toughest game of the series for us. We'll be ready to go." Also Read: Heat, Timberwolves enter Playoffs as number 8 seed to complete bracket The Celtics ripped visiting Atlanta 112-99 behind 29 points and 12 rebounds from Brown and 25 points and 11 rebounds from Tatum. Brown played with a wrapping on cut fingers and a protective mask he has had for two months due to a facial fracture. "Got to come out and be ready to go," he said. "My team depends on me. My city depends on me. I don't make no excuses. I come out and play ball." The first NBA playoff nail-biter came at Cleveland, where Jalen Brunson scored 21 of his team-high 27 points in the second half to lead New York over Cleveland 101-97. The host Cavaliers, who had 38 points from Donovan Mitchell in a losing cause, went on a 9-0 run for a 93-92 lead before the Knicks reclaimed the lead. Brunson's driving layup boosted the Knicks ahead 99-95 but Jarrett Allen's dunk tightened the game for Cleveland. A Brunson miss was rebounded by New York's Julius Randle, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and that set up two clinching Knicks free throws by Quentin Grimes. "They don't quit. They just kept fighting," Brunson said of the Cavs. "We kept our composure. Made plays down the stretch, made a couple of huge stops. We just kept fighting, kept sticking together and stayed poised." The Western Conference opener later sends defending champion Golden State to Sacramento, where the host Kings make their first playoff appearance since 2006. Philadelphia's Embiid, the NBA season scoring leader with 33.1 points a game, went 7-of-15 from the floor but the Cameroonian star was 11-of-11 from the free throw line. Harden, who hit 7-of-13 from 3-point range, became the first player in 76ers history with 20 points, 10 assists and five 3-pointers in one contest. He also helped eight Sixers in all to make 3-pointers. "Just finding ways to impact the game possession by possession," said Harden, a former Nets backcourt star. "It's the playoffs. Things don't go the way you want as much as you want them to. You've got to keep pushing, keeping fighting, and I'm happy we got a win." In the times the Nets stifled Embiid, Harden picked them apart with inside moves, skilled shotmaking and precision passing. "I've been doing it for a very, very long time at the highest level so it's pretty easy," Harden said. "As long as I get into the paint and create good shots, I'm doing my job. Most of the time my teammates are making the shots." Philadelphia made a club one-half playoff record of 13 3-pointers on the way to a 67-58 halftime edge. Brooklyn's Mikal Bridges scored a game-high 30 points, but only seven in the second half. Come out locked in At Boston, Derrick White contributed 24 points for Boston, which used a 20-3 second-quarter run to seize a 74-44 half-time lead. The Hawks, led by Dejounte Murray's 24 points, rallied in the second half but could not mount a sustained threat. "Starts on defense," Brown said. "Coming out and being locked in defensively. That's a good young team. We've got to give them respect and come out and play them tight and stay aggressive." Brown wants to avoid second-half fades after building big leads. "That's the journey for us, to stay and keep that mentality locked in throughout the playoffs, 48 minutes throughout the game," he said. "Tonight we waned a little bit but we will pick it up as the playoffs go on." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA Playoffs: Sixers, Celtics, Knicks advance with Game 1 win

Joel Embiid maintained his dominant scoring streak as the Philadelphia 76ers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 121-82 thrashing of the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

Embiid, one of the front-runners for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award, rattled in another 38 points during a one-sided road victory.

The Sixers star is averaging 35 points a game in March and has not scored fewer than 31 in eight games this month.

Embiid's latest tally came on 16-of-21 shooting, with 13 rebounds and five assists.

"Home or road, it doesn't matter," Embiid said afterward. "We know what it takes offensively and defensively, everybody doing their job... tonight we did it as a team."

James Harden had a rare off-night with only 11 points after shooting 4-of-15 from the field, but the Sixers still had far too much firepower and defensive savvy for a Charlotte team that is second from the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Tobias Harris added 18 points while Tyrese Maxey chipped in with 13.

Despite the one-sided nature of the win, Sixers coach Doc Rivers was pleased that his team emerged with a clean bill of health.

"It's just good to get the game over with and be healthy," said Rivers, who also took satisfaction from the Sixers' ruthless performance.

"It just shows that we are focused, and we are showing up and playing," he said.

"There is no guarantee each night how you're going to play, but there is a guarantee how you can show up -- and we're showing up every night."

Philadelphia improved to 47-22 with the win and are third in the East, behind leaders Milwaukee (50-20) and Boston (49-22).

<h2>Boston revival</h2>

Boston's revival continued with a 126-112 win on the road over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 34 points, while Jaylen Brown added 27.&nbsp;

Damian Lillard poured in 41 points in Portland's losing effort.

In other games Friday, Maxi Kleber nailed a 27-foot buzzer-beater as the Dallas Mavericks put a dent in the Los Angeles Lakers' postseason charge to snatch a sensational 111-110 road victory.

Kyrie Irving scored 38 points -- and provided the late assist for Kleber -- to set up a thrilling win for Dallas.&nbsp;

Irving's tally included 13 in the fourth quarter as Dallas overturned a late five-point deficit to claim the win.

The defeat dropped the Lakers to 10th in the Western Conference with a 34-37 record. Dallas meanwhile moved up to the sixth spot.

Elsewhere Friday, Golden State's poor road form continued with a 127-119 defeat at Atlanta, with Trae Young leading the Hawks' scoring with 25 points.

With the Warriors missing the defensive presence of the suspended Draymond Green, the reigning NBA champions dropped their 10th straight game on the road.

The Warriors are now 36-35 overall and sixth in a congested Western Conference table.

"Proud of our guys effort, we had our chances and had several shots in the last couple of minutes but just couldn't get anything to go," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the loss.

"These guys are fighting. I believe in them and I believe something good's going to happen with this group. We've just got to keep fighting and keep moving forward," added Kerr, brushing off suggestions that the Warriors' problems away from home were psychological.

"It's not mental," Kerr said. "We've been playing well... but it's hard to win on the road in this league. And we're just not getting it done."

Steph Curry led the Warriors scorers with 31 points, and six Golden State players finished in double figures.

In Chicago, DeMar DeRozan erupted for 49 points as the Bulls completed a 139-131 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves' defeat was compounded by a worrying injury to star Anthony Edwards, who yelled in pain after an awkward landing on his right foot in the first quarter.

Edwards left the game and did not return before appearing on the bench late on wearing a protective boot.

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Joel Embiid maintained his dominant scoring streak as the Philadelphia 76ers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 121-82 thrashing of the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

Joel Embiid maintained his dominant scoring streak as the Philadelphia 76ers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 121-82 thrashing of the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Embiid, one of the front-runners for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award, rattled in another 38 points during a one-sided road victory. The Sixers star is averaging 35 points a game in March and has not scored fewer than 31 in eight games this month. Embiid's latest tally came on 16-of-21 shooting, with 13 rebounds and five assists. "Home or road, it doesn't matter," Embiid said afterward. "We know what it takes offensively and defensively, everybody doing their job... tonight we did it as a team." James Harden had a rare off-night with only 11 points after shooting 4-of-15 from the field, but the Sixers still had far too much firepower and defensive savvy for a Charlotte team that is second from the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Tobias Harris added 18 points while Tyrese Maxey chipped in with 13. Despite the one-sided nature of the win, Sixers coach Doc Rivers was pleased that his team emerged with a clean bill of health. "It's just good to get the game over with and be healthy," said Rivers, who also took satisfaction from the Sixers' ruthless performance. "It just shows that we are focused, and we are showing up and playing," he said. "There is no guarantee each night how you're going to play, but there is a guarantee how you can show up -- and we're showing up every night." Philadelphia improved to 47-22 with the win and are third in the East, behind leaders Milwaukee (50-20) and Boston (49-22). Boston revival Boston's revival continued with a 126-112 win on the road over the Portland Trail Blazers. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 34 points, while Jaylen Brown added 27. Damian Lillard poured in 41 points in Portland's losing effort. In other games Friday, Maxi Kleber nailed a 27-foot buzzer-beater as the Dallas Mavericks put a dent in the Los Angeles Lakers' postseason charge to snatch a sensational 111-110 road victory. Kyrie Irving scored 38 points -- and provided the late assist for Kleber -- to set up a thrilling win for Dallas. Irving's tally included 13 in the fourth quarter as Dallas overturned a late five-point deficit to claim the win. The defeat dropped the Lakers to 10th in the Western Conference with a 34-37 record. Dallas meanwhile moved up to the sixth spot. Elsewhere Friday, Golden State's poor road form continued with a 127-119 defeat at Atlanta, with Trae Young leading the Hawks' scoring with 25 points. With the Warriors missing the defensive presence of the suspended Draymond Green, the reigning NBA champions dropped their 10th straight game on the road. The Warriors are now 36-35 overall and sixth in a congested Western Conference table. "Proud of our guys effort, we had our chances and had several shots in the last couple of minutes but just couldn't get anything to go," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the loss. "These guys are fighting. I believe in them and I believe something good's going to happen with this group. We've just got to keep fighting and keep moving forward," added Kerr, brushing off suggestions that the Warriors' problems away from home were psychological. "It's not mental," Kerr said. "We've been playing well... but it's hard to win on the road in this league. And we're just not getting it done." Steph Curry led the Warriors scorers with 31 points, and six Golden State players finished in double figures. In Chicago, DeMar DeRozan erupted for 49 points as the Bulls completed a 139-131 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves' defeat was compounded by a worrying injury to star Anthony Edwards, who yelled in pain after an awkward landing on his right foot in the first quarter. Edwards left the game and did not return before appearing on the bench late on wearing a protective boot. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA: Joel Embiid continues hot run as Philadelphia 76ers notch up seventh straight win

Former 76ers player Jimmy Butler, on Monday night, scored a reality-defying lay-up as he led the Miami Heat to a 101-99 win over the Philadelphia Sixers. The six-time All-Star made the shot with 1:28 minutes left on the clock to get Miami lead which stayed until the buzzer.

Back to the shot - It started with a dribble from the three-point marker and then Butler rolled backwards, crossing Sixers' P.J. Tucker. Butler then jumped under the ring and over Tucker and Joel Embiid for a reverse lay-up to give make the scoreboard 100-99 in favor of the Heat. Have a look at the shot:

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Jimmy Butler WOW 😮 <a href="https://t.co/I642DOwQeu">pic.twitter.com/I642DOwQeu</a>
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1630394718189125635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After the shot, Butler also drained a free throw with 8.1 seconds on the clock after he was fouled out by James Harden. The free point by Butler eventually was the last point of the game.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-lakers-suffer-massive-blow-as-injured-lebron-james-facing-weeks-on-sidelines-reports-566662">LA Lakers suffer massive blow as injured LeBron James facing 'weeks' on sidelines: Reports</a>

Jimmy finished with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds and fell just one short of a triple-double with nine assists. From the Sixers, Joel Embiid also scored with a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds.

During the game, Butler exchange a few 'words' with his former teammates Embiid and Tucker, which Jimmy said were in friendly spirit.

"Those are my brothers. Anybody I'm in the trenches with I have mad respect for and they're a really good team," he said. "They've been playing incredibly well all year long. But always want to beat them, always want to beat any team that we go up against. But I hate you P.J.," he added at the end with a smile.

Butler's lay-up also helped the Heat snap out of a four-game losing streak. Miami is all set to play the Sixers on Wednesday again and Butler, averaging 21.9 points per game this season, will definitely be on the focus of Joel Embiid, P.J. Tucker and 76ers.&nbsp;

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Former 76ers player Jimmy Butler, on Monday night, scored a reality-defying lay-up as he led the Miami Heat to a 101-99 win over the Philadelphia Sixers. The six-time All-Star made the shot with 1:28 minutes left on the clock to get Miami lead which stayed until the buzzer.

Former 76ers player Jimmy Butler, on Monday night, scored a reality-defying lay-up as he led the Miami Heat to a 101-99 win over the Philadelphia Sixers. The six-time All-Star made the shot with 1:28 minutes left on the clock to get Miami lead which stayed until the buzzer. Back to the shot - It started with a dribble from the three-point marker and then Butler rolled backwards, crossing Sixers' P.J. Tucker. Butler then jumped under the ring and over Tucker and Joel Embiid for a reverse lay-up to give make the scoreboard 100-99 in favor of the Heat. Have a look at the shot: Jimmy Butler WOW 😮 pic.twitter.com/I642DOwQeu — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 28, 2023 × After the shot, Butler also drained a free throw with 8.1 seconds on the clock after he was fouled out by James Harden. The free point by Butler eventually was the last point of the game. Also Read: LA Lakers suffer massive blow as injured LeBron James facing 'weeks' on sidelines: Reports Jimmy finished with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds and fell just one short of a triple-double with nine assists. From the Sixers, Joel Embiid also scored with a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds. During the game, Butler exchange a few 'words' with his former teammates Embiid and Tucker, which Jimmy said were in friendly spirit. "Those are my brothers. Anybody I'm in the trenches with I have mad respect for and they're a really good team," he said. "They've been playing incredibly well all year long. But always want to beat them, always want to beat any team that we go up against. But I hate you P.J.," he added at the end with a smile. Butler's lay-up also helped the Heat snap out of a four-game losing streak. Miami is all set to play the Sixers on Wednesday again and Butler, averaging 21.9 points per game this season, will definitely be on the focus of Joel Embiid, P.J. Tucker and 76ers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA: Jimmy Butler's jaw-dropping lay-up takes Heat past 76ers - Watch

Jayson Tatum, on Saturday night, drained a three-pointer in the final seconds as the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 100--107 in a wild game. Boston star, however, didn't have a great game to write home about but his clutch shot took his team over the line in a thrilling finish.&nbsp;

Tatum finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in the game. The Celtics were able to get away with the win despite 76ers' Joel Embiid gave a thunderous performance, scoring 41 points, the highest in the game.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-sacramento-kings-beat-los-angeles-clippers-176-175-in-double-overtime-thriller-565788">NBA: Sacramento Kings beat Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double overtime thriller</a>

Apart from the points, Embiid also threw a magnificent three-quarter shot after Tatum's go-ahead three-pointer but couldn't release the ball before the buzzer.

Tatum caught a pass from his teammate Marcus Smart with 5.9 seconds left on the clock and shot a perfect 3-pointer after stopping at the top of the key. Tatum went 7-of-17 while shooting but stepped up when his team needed him the most.

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WHAT AN ENDING IN PHILLY 😱 
 
TATUM HITS FROM 3. EMBIID'S SHOT FROM 3/4 COURT IS AFTER THE BUZZER 
 
CELTICS WIN <a href="https://t.co/TKrrTYHQzI">pic.twitter.com/TKrrTYHQzI</a>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1629694024457043969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to ESPN after the game, Tatum agreed that he wasn't at his best and was trying to find a way. 
&nbsp; 
"Find a way to win the game," Tatum said. "I wasn't playing my best, was just trying to impact winning on both ends, find a way. ... It's tough to win in this league. It showed our resilience tonight," he added.

The game was certainly over after Tatum's eventual winner but not without a bit of drama. 76ers' P.J. Tucker quickly inbounded the ball after Boston took the lead and Joel Embiid went ahead with his Hail Mary shot in an effort to tie the game.

The crowd at Wells Fargo Centre went in frenzy as Embiid's shot found the rim but the Philly star didn't celebrate as he knew that the ball was in his hands at the buzzer.

Nonetheless, it was certainly one of the wildest game of the season after the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers played the second-highest scoring game in NBA history on Friday night.

Jayson Tatum, on Saturday night, drained a three-pointer in the final seconds as the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 100--107 in a wild game. Boston star, however, didn't have a great game to write home about but his clutch shot took his team over the line in a thrilling finish.

Jayson Tatum, on Saturday night, drained a three-pointer in the final seconds as the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 100--107 in a wild game. Boston star, however, didn't have a great game to write home about but his clutch shot took his team over the line in a thrilling finish. Tatum finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in the game. The Celtics were able to get away with the win despite 76ers' Joel Embiid gave a thunderous performance, scoring 41 points, the highest in the game. Also Read: NBA: Sacramento Kings beat Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double overtime thriller Apart from the points, Embiid also threw a magnificent three-quarter shot after Tatum's go-ahead three-pointer but couldn't release the ball before the buzzer. Tatum caught a pass from his teammate Marcus Smart with 5.9 seconds left on the clock and shot a perfect 3-pointer after stopping at the top of the key. Tatum went 7-of-17 while shooting but stepped up when his team needed him the most. WHAT AN ENDING IN PHILLY 😱 TATUM HITS FROM 3. EMBIID'S SHOT FROM 3/4 COURT IS AFTER THE BUZZER CELTICS WIN pic.twitter.com/TKrrTYHQzI — NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2023 × Read More: NBA: JJ Redick claps back at Dominique Wilkins for calling his take on Larry Bird 'stupid' Speaking to ESPN after the game, Tatum agreed that he wasn't at his best and was trying to find a way. "Find a way to win the game," Tatum said. "I wasn't playing my best, was just trying to impact winning on both ends, find a way. ... It's tough to win in this league. It showed our resilience tonight," he added. The game was certainly over after Tatum's eventual winner but not without a bit of drama. 76ers' P.J. Tucker quickly inbounded the ball after Boston took the lead and Joel Embiid went ahead with his Hail Mary shot in an effort to tie the game. The crowd at Wells Fargo Centre went in frenzy as Embiid's shot found the rim but the Philly star didn't celebrate as he knew that the ball was in his hands at the buzzer. Nonetheless, it was certainly one of the wildest game of the season after the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers played the second-highest scoring game in NBA history on Friday night.

NBA: Jayson Tatum's three-pointer headlines wild finish as Celtics hold off 76ers