Caleb Martin and Joel Embiid send a message: Everybody Hates Boston

Much like the rest of us here in Philly, Caleb Martin and Joel Embiid absolutely hate the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics are public enemy number one in the Eastern Conference, and the Philadelphia 76ers made sure to remind them of that Wednesday night. In a 118-114 victory, the Sixers gave Boston a dose of reality while reigniting their own playoff hopes now that the squad is finally looking somewhat healthy.

Beating the Celtics always feels good, but beating them and watching Caleb Martin channel his inner assassin? That’s the stuff dreams are made of.

Caleb Martin career-high 7 threes on Christmas

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1872092720392548535

Caleb Martin Was Born for This

When Philly poached Caleb Martin from Miami, they had one thing in mind: make Boston’s life miserable. Mission accomplished.

Martin started for the first time since November and torched the Celtics for a season-high 23 points, going 8-of-11 from the field and a blistering 7-of-9 from deep.

“He hates them as much as I do,” Embiid said after the game.

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And honestly, that’s all we needed to hear. Caleb Martin’s energy, his confidence, his complete disregard for Boston’s defense—it was beautiful to watch. If this is how he plays every time he sees green, the Sixers have an ace up their sleeve for the rest of the season.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1872070921491743185

Boston: The Villains of the East

Boston is the team everyone loves to hate. The smug fanbase, the constant media fawning, and that green they insist on wearing—it’s all insufferable.

For Sixers fans, the rivalry runs even deeper. The Celtics have been a thorn in Philly’s side for years, meeting in the playoffs multiple times during the Joel Embiid era and often walking away victorious. But this isn’t the same old Sixers team, and Wednesday’s win proved it.

Joel Embiid on Caleb Martin: “The Boston Killer”

Joel Embiid on Caleb Martin:

“THE BOSTON KILLER.” pic.twitter.com/YAKe42u5sI

— MVBIID (@EmbiidsEra) December 26, 2024

The Joel Embiid Effect:

Way too much chatter about the 76ers and Tyrese Maxey being the guy who moves the needle for this basketball team. Trust me, Maxey is nothing short of incredible on the basketball court but let’s not overlook Joel Embiid’s role in this…

As Joel Embiid goes, so do the Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid also seems to thrive off beating Boston. Even after a pregame scare (because of course Embiid had to make us all panic with a freak fall), he suited up, dropped 27 points, grabbed nine boards, and sank clutch free throws to seal the game.

He and Caleb Martin are the Celtics’ worst nightmare, and it’s a role they wears proudly.

Embiid and Martin from Three-Point Range on Christmas: 11-14 (78.6%)

The NBA should start on Christmas Day

Boston came into this game thinking they were top dogs in the East. The Sixers reminded them that the road to the Finals isn’t as smooth as they’d like to believe.

Philly has had its struggles this season, but now that the team is getting healthy and finding their rhythm, this win felt like a statement. The Celtics are still the Sixers’ biggest hurdle, and taking them down—even in the regular season—feels like a turning point.

Embiid and Maxey deliver in Boston, Sixers win 118-114 >>

The Road (Trip) Ahead for the Sixers

The Sixers continue their road trip with a game against the Utah Jazz on December 28. But let’s be clear: Boston is always the priority. Beating the Celtics isn’t just about standings—it’s about pride. And if this game showed us anything, it’s that Philly isn’t backing down from the fight.

Boston may be the villains of the East, but Wednesday night, the Sixers got to play the heroes. And honestly? It doesn’t get better than that.

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1872270238970167717

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