The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 95-86, at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal-round series. The series is tied 3-3.

The Celtics (3-3) were down to their last out coming into the night, an identical scenario to a year ago against the Bucks. Boston's chances of repeating a Game 6 road victory seemed to have bright prospects early, as the visitors owned a 29-22 lead through one and still held a seven-point advantage at halftime, although they enjoyed a larger edge at times during both periods. The game then seemed to tilt firmly to the 76ers (3-3) in a third quarter where Philadelphia outscored the Celtics by a 30-21 margin, but the home squad was then held to 13 points over the final 12 minutes while allowing a 14-3 run over the final 4:14 to suffer the loss.

Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum shot just 5-for-21, but he drained multiple key three late three-pointers on his way to 19 points, which he complemented with nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jaylen Brown delivered 17 points, six boards and four assists. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Robert Williams finished with 10 points , nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks.

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey co-led the 76ers with 26 points apiece while adding 10 and five rebounds, respectively. Maxey also recorded three assists and three steals. James Harden turned in 13 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, three steals and one block.

The series shifts back to TD Garden in Boston for the decisive Game 7 clash on Sunday.