Joel Embiid won Game 7 against the Boston Celtics with a 109-100 score on Saturday.
## What happened in Game 7?
The Philadelphia 76ers star looked physically worn down throughout the game at TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
Embiid hit the hardwood several times and survived players crashing into his ailing knee.
He played at least 34 minutes in all four contests against the Celtics.
## How did Joel Embiid feel after the game?
Joel Embiid claimed he was “faking” being hurt the entire time in his series against the Celtics.
“I felt great. I feel amazing. I was faking it,” Embiid said when asked how his body felt as the series progressed.
## What's next for Joel Embiid and the 76ers?
The 76ers center is set to face the New York Knicks in Game 1, which takes place less than 48 hours after Saturday’s Game 7.
Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy on April 9, just weeks before he suited up for his series debut in Game 4.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla’s odd tactic of starting an undersized center and sitting Nikola Vucevic entirely may have helped lessen Embiid’s physical burden in Game 7.
The 76ers' win marked a comeback from down 3-1 against the Celtics.
## Why did Joel Embiid's tactic work?
Embiid's comments after the game suggest he was trying to psychologically affect the Celtics.
And it seemed to work, as the Celtics were ultimately unable to stop Embiid and the 76ers.
But the real test will come against the Knicks, who will be looking to take advantage of any weakness in Embiid's game.
So Embiid will need to be at the top of his game if the 76ers are to advance.
Embiid's performance in Game 7 was impressive, given the grueling physical demands of playoff basketball.
He played a key role in the 76ers' win, and his determination will be crucial in the next round.
The 76ers will be looking to build on their momentum against the Celtics.