The Ringer's Philly Special Sixers Stun Celtics, and Phillies Fire Topper!
17 snips
Apr 29, 2026 Anthony Dabbundo, Philadelphia sports commentator and Ringer contributor, breaks down the Sixers’ dramatic Game 5 win and Joel Embiid’s return. He also reacts to the Phillies firing Rob Thomson, weighs responsibility between roster and front office, and previews Don Mattingly’s arrival and the team’s playoff chances.
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Sixers Pull Off Stunning Game 5 Road Win
- The Sixers pulled off a shocking Game 5 upset of the Celtics to stave off elimination.
- Philly outscored Boston 28-11 in the fourth and won two road games in the series, showing an unexpected path to victory.
Embiid Came Back Early And Took Over Fourth Quarter
- Joel Embiid returned 17 days after an appendectomy and dominated late, playing 33 minutes for 33 points.
- Embiid shifted from early three-point attempts to bully midrange and made decisive plays and assists down the stretch.
Celtics Style Creates High Variance Outcomes
- Boston's strategy of living by threes and ISOs makes them explosive but volatile.
- On nights their shooters miss (28% in Game 5) they struggle to adapt and can be beaten by balanced inside-out play.