The Philadelphia 76ers entered the Christmas Day matchup against the Boston Celtics with a lot on the line. Struggling through a challenging start to the season with a 10-17 record, the Sixers needed a win not only to boost their confidence but also to prove that they could compete with the Eastern Conference’s elite teams. They did just that, emerging with a thrilling 118-114 victory over their longtime rival Celtics—a performance that could very well signal the turning point of their season.

In the offseason, the Sixers made some bold moves aimed at bolstering their roster and adding depth to their wings—an area that had given them trouble in matchups with Boston in the past. Their biggest addition was Paul George, a star wing known for both his defensive versatility and scoring ability. Alongside him, they brought in feisty wing Caleb Martin and re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. , both of whom had the potential to disrupt Boston’s offensive flow and take some of the pressure off the team’s stars, especially against Celtics superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Christmas Day game served as a proving ground for these offseason signings, and the results were promising. The addition of George, Oubre, and Martin allowed the Sixers to execute their game plan with greater flexibility, posing a real threat to Boston’s top-tier wings. Their collective performance showed that the Sixers might just have the tools to challenge the defending NBA champions when it matters most.

Although Paul George's offensive production wasn’t the headline of the night—he finished with just 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists—his defensive impact was undeniable. George's ability to guard multiple positions and match up against the Celtics' star wings was a critical factor in limiting Tatum and Brown’s offensive contributions. Tatum had been a major problem for the Sixers in previous encounters, and while he still managed to score 28 points in this game, George’s defense forced him into difficult situations throughout the night.

The Sixers’ defensive schemes, which were often centered around their wings’ defensive versatility, kept the Celtics from getting into an offensive rhythm. Boston’s two stars—Tatum and Brown—are at their best when they can generate offense in iso situations and create mismatches, but the Sixers did an excellent job of containing them and making the game difficult. George, although not having a standout scoring performance, still provided invaluable defensive support, proving why the Sixers were so eager to add him in the offseason.

Looking ahead, George's value to the team goes beyond just his point totals. As the postseason approaches, the Sixers will need his defensive contributions to combat high-level offenses, especially against teams with wings as dynamic as Tatum and Brown. George’s experience and ability to lock down key players could be exactly what the Sixers need in the postseason, where the stakes are at its highest.

Another key contributor on Christmas Day was Caleb Martin, who once again showcased his ability to be a Celtics killer. Martin had been an instrumental part of the Miami Heat’s playoff run over the past few seasons, notably delivering clutch performances against Boston in high-stakes playoff games. On Christmas Day, Martin reminded the Celtics of his knack for hitting big shots, finishing the game with 23 points, including an impressive 7-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Boston’s defense appeared to dare Martin to shoot, a mistake they would soon regret as he punished them from deep. Martin’s sharpshooting was pivotal in stretching the Celtics’ defense, opening up lanes for others to operate while also keeping them honest. His performance against the Celtics was reminiscent of his previous success against them, where his ability to make shots in critical moments was a key factor in the Heat’s playoff success.

Martin’s performance on Christmas Day is a testament to his value to the Sixers, particularly in big games. His shooting ability and defensive tenacity make him a reliable contributor, and his history of delivering against Boston suggests that he could be a key piece for the Sixers in any potential playoff series against the Celtics, and it’s clear that Martin can provide a necessary scoring punch when the Sixers need it.

Joel Embiid’s performance against the Celtics was another major positive for the Sixers. With 27 points and 9 rebounds, Embiid showed that he is gradually returning to his MVP-caliber form. The 7-foot-1 big man looked more comfortable on the court, hitting his patented face-up jumpers and getting to the free-throw line with ease. His ability to impose his will inside, combined with his refined jump shot, was a clear indication that he is rounding into form after dealing with some early-season struggles.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Embiid’s performance was his athleticism. He flashed a few sneaky athletic plays, including a smooth transition layup and an effortless move under the basket for an easy two points. These types of plays are a reminder of just how dynamic Embiid can be when he’s fully engaged. His ability to dominate both in the paint and on the perimeter is what makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

As the Sixers’ leader, Embiid's performance against the Celtics could serve as a precursor for what’s to come in the second half of the season. If he continues to build on this showing, Philadelphia will have a legitimate MVP candidate leading the charge. His health and consistent play will be critical as the Sixers push toward the playoffs, where they will need Embiid at his best if they hope to challenge the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Tyrese Maxey’s performance on Christmas Day was arguably one of the most impressive of the season. With 31 points and 12 assists, Maxey had a game worthy of being called the best point guard in the East. He dominated the Celtics on all three levels—driving to the basket with ease, hitting mid-range shots and floaters, and drilling step-back threes. His scoring was critical in keeping the Sixers’ offense flowing, but it was his playmaking that really stood out.

Maxey’s growth as a floor general has been one of the most promising developments for the Sixers this season. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates while also scoring efficiently makes him an invaluable asset. His 12 assists against Boston were a testament to his improvement as a playmaker, finding open teammates and setting up easy baskets. As the Sixers’ point guard of the future, Maxey’s continued development will be key to their success moving forward.

If Maxey can maintain this level of play, he will give the Sixers a dynamic offensive weapon who can both score and facilitate. With his ability to perform in clutch moments and lead the offense, Maxey has the potential to be the difference-maker the Sixers need as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

The Sixers’ Christmas Day win against the Celtics could very well be the turning point they’ve been looking for. With standout performances from Paul George, Caleb Martin, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers have shown that they have the tools to compete with the best teams in the NBA. While the win against Boston is just one game, it serves as a reminder of the potential this team has when fully healthy and clicking on all cylinders.

As the season progresses, the Sixers will need to continue to build on this momentum. With a strong supporting cast around their stars and key players stepping up in big moments, Philadelphia could very well be poised to turn their season around and better position themselves into the East’s playoff picture. The Celtics may have been the toughest challenge thus far, but if the Sixers continue to play at this level, they’ll be a team to watch come playoff time.