76ers HC Nick Nurse previews series vs. Knicks after Game 7 win over Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers are heading into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks following a 109-100 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, completing the NBA’s 14th comeback from a 3-1 deficit.

After grinding through seven games with the Celtics, Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse underlined the road ahead, offering a level-headed evaluation of facing the Knicks.

“I think they’re very good,” said Nurse. “I think their starting lineup’s incredible, I think they continue to bolster their bench… I think they’re very, very good. I think it’s going to be a tremendous challenge.”

"Listen, I think they're very good. I think their starting lineup's incredible, I think they continue to bolster their bench… I think they're very, very good. I think it's going to be a tremendous challenge"

Nick Nurse talks about the 76ers' upcoming matchup with the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/3kx9j0ase6

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 3, 2026

His comments come as the 76ers prepare for their first second-round appearance since 2023.

Philadelphia earned the series win over Boston despite facing historical odds. Before Game 7, the Celtics had been 32-0 in playoff series after leading 3-1, while the Sixers had been 0-18 when trailing 3-1. The result not only ended Philadelphia’s playoff drought since 2023 but also made them the first No. 7 seed to eliminate a No. 2 seed in the East since the format expanded in 2003.

The 76ers were led by Joel Embiid, who finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and just 1 turnover, alongside Tyrese Maxey, who added 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, as the pair became only the third duo in NBA history to each record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a road Game 7. Embiid also became the first player in NBA history to score 100 points in a playoff series despite missing the first three games after recovering from an emergency appendectomy.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, becoming only the second player age 20 or younger to reach 20+ points in a Game 7, while also limiting Boston’s Derrick White in the second half. Paul George scored 13 points.

Philadelphia opens the series on the road at Madison Square Garden on Monday, with New York holding home-court advantage. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, reached the semifinals, eliminating the Atlanta Hawks in six games, setting up the 11th playoff matchup between the franchises, where the Sixers hold a 6-4 series advantage.

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