Celtics beat 76ers 114-98 at TD Garden behind Neemias Queta’s career night and rebounding edge
Boston reaches 40 wins as Queta and Brown carry the offense in a physical Eastern Conference matchup
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics turned an uneven start into a 114-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at TD Garden, using a decisive second quarter and a dominant performance on the glass to secure their 40th victory of the season. The result improved Boston to 40-20 and snapped Philadelphia’s three-game winning streak.
Center Neemias Queta delivered the defining performance of the night, scoring a career-high 27 points with 17 rebounds and three blocks. Jaylen Brown matched Queta with 27 points and added eight rebounds and eight assists, while Derrick White scored 21 points with eight assists to anchor Boston’s perimeter creation.
Philadelphia was led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 33 points and added six assists. Rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 23 points, but the 76ers struggled to generate enough stops once Boston found its rhythm after the opening period.
Second-quarter swing and a rebounding margin that shaped the game
The 76ers controlled much of the first quarter and built a double-digit lead as Boston shot poorly early. The game turned in the second quarter, when Boston outscored Philadelphia 36-22 to take a 62-50 halftime lead. From that point, the Celtics did not trail again.
Boston’s advantage was most pronounced in second-chance opportunities and interior control. The Celtics finished with a major rebounding edge, including 19 offensive rebounds, repeatedly extending possessions and creating additional shot volume. Queta’s activity around the rim—particularly on the offensive glass—was central to that pressure.
Late push from Philadelphia, then a closing run
Philadelphia made multiple attempts to cut into the margin and pulled within 103-97 with just over four minutes remaining. Boston closed the game by leaning into its interior offense: Queta scored Boston’s next eight points to stretch the lead back to double digits and effectively seal the outcome.
Key numbers and context
- Final score: Celtics 114, 76ers 98
- Top Celtics scorers: Queta 27; Brown 27; White 21
- Top 76ers scorers: Maxey 33; Edgecombe 23
- Rebounds: Boston 68, Philadelphia 46
Boston’s pathway was consistent throughout: win the possession battle, create extra chances through rebounding, and close with high-percentage offense when the margin tightened.
The teams’ final regular-season meeting underscored the matchup’s physical tone and the importance of depth contributions. For Boston, the interior production and rebounding—headlined by Queta—provided separation in a game that tightened late before the Celtics’ finishing run.