Hoops Tonight - CELTICS-76ERS GAME 7 REACTION: Maxey & Embiid beat Jaylen Brown, clinch series w/ Jayson Tatum hurt

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers a fiery post-game breakdown of the Celtics' heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the 76ers, highlighting Joel Embiid's dominant two-way performance that shifted the series entirely. The analysis centers on how Embiid’s return fundamentally altered the matchup, neutralizing Boston’s offense by forcing them into tough pull-up jumpers while dominating the paint and shutting down their center rotation. The episode critiques head coach Joe Mazzula’s baffling starting lineup decision—starting Luka Garza and Ron Harper Jr. over more experienced players like Nikola Vucevic—calling it a critical mistake that set a negative tone and undermined Boston’s energy. Despite the loss, the hosts praise Jalen Brown’s individual growth and the Celtics’ surprising depth development, noting they exceeded expectations. The discussion turns to Boston’s roster weaknesses, particularly at center and rim protection, and speculates on potential offseason moves targeting a strong forward or stretch big. The episode ends with a reflection on how matchups, not records, define playoff success, and how the Celtics’ season, while disappointing, was still a major step forward.