The Celtics Blew a 3-1 Lead and Lost Their Season to the 7 Seed in Game 7

I don't even know where to start. The Boston Celtics just did something that should never happen in professional basketball. They had this series locked. Up 3-1 with all the momentum in the world, staring down a trip to the next round and a date with the Knicks. Instead, they completely choked it away and lost to the 7 seed Sixers in Game 7. Their season is over. The Celtics were 32-0 all time when leading a series 3-1. Now they're 32-1.

The Worst Collapse in Franchise History

Let's be honest: losing 3 home games in a single playoff series is inexcusable. Losing three home games. At home. In one series. Add Tatum missing Game 7 and you've got a disaster that's honestly hard to comprehend. From the final four minutes of Game 5 to right now, everything fell apart. The Sixers didn't just win this series, they straight up stole it. When they had to make plays, they made them. When they had to respond, they responded. The Celts were outexecuted and beaten down the stretch.

The Shotmaking Collapse That Killed Them

Game 7 told the whole story: 40/27% shooting. That's not a typo. The Celtics shooting over these last three games was the worst of their entire season. The first quarter was especially brutal, which is exactly the opposite of what you need in a Game 7. They needed to be at their best and they just never got there.

Jaylen had a horrific first half and never set the tone early. His role guys didn't show up either. Derrick White finished 9-26 from the field and 5-16 from three. Despite all that, it was a one point game late in the fourth. Right there for the taking. But down the stretch? Wide open Jaylen three from the top of the arc, missed. Pritchard corner three, open, missed. Another Jaylen paint jumper, open, missed. Meanwhile Maxey came through at the rim on the other end. Just like the entire series: Celtics had their chances and blew every single one.

They could've closed it out in Game 5. They could've closed it out in Game 6. They could've closed it out in Game 7. Instead they watched Joel Embiid and the Sixers celebrate on their own floor. Summer of uncertainty starts now.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.