76ers Beat Celtics 117-116 After Collapse

The Philadelphia 76ers rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 117-116 in the season opener, erupting for 42 fourth-quarter points to erase a double-digit late lead. Tyrese Maxey scored 40 and rookie VJ Edgecombe poured in 34 in a historic debut, breaking rookie first-quarter and franchise-debut scoring marks. Boston, missing Jayson Tatum as he rehabs a torn Achilles, still had 25-point outings from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White and 17 points from Neemias Queta but collapsed in the final minutes, including a 15-2 run against them. Joel Embiid had a 4-point, 20-minute outing that intensified questions about his play. Analyst Bill Simmons publicly labeled Embiid “done,” framing discussion about Philadelphia’s younger backcourt taking over. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called the loss a learning experience as Boston adjusts rotations and defensive issues.