Sixers' play-in win sets up showdown with rival Celtics

Driving the news: Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, including a clutch left-handed layup late that pushed the Sixers' lead to six — and they pulled away from there.

• Andre Drummond, filling in for Joel Embiid who was sidelined while recovering from an appendectomy, drilled a corner 3 to seal the game.

Zoom in: The Sixers led most of the night, including the entire fourth quarter.

• Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe shined in his postseason debut, posting a double-double (19 points, 11 rebounds).

What they're saying: Maxey, one of several Sixers who battled injuries this season, said during a postgame interview that this team has showed it's "resilient."

Flashback: This will be the 23rd playoff meeting between the Sixers and Celtics.

• Philly hasn't beaten Boston in a series since 1982, though it pushed the Celtics to Game 7 in 2023.

The bottom line: Philly got the matchup it wanted — now it has to get past a team that's dominated it for decades.