The Sixers broke an 11-game losing streak against the Celtics and pulled off an unlikely 105-99 win Sunday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Sixers trailed by 13 points halfway through the third. They outscored the Celtics, 20-10, to end the quarter down 79-76, including a 6-0 run at the close.
In a game where veteran experience could have an advantage, the Sixers buckled down in the fourth. They kept their composure and didn't crack under the pressure of the second-best team in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers outscored the Celtics 29-20 in the final quarter.
Justin Anderson (gastroenteritis) sat out for the Sixers and Isaiah Thomas (bone bruise, right knee) did not play for the Celtics.
Jahlil Okafor left the game with right knee soreness and was not able to return for the second half.
The Sixers had not beat the Celtics since April 14, 2014.
Inside the box score
Saric led the Sixers with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. He reached double digits for his 19th straight game.
Al Horford led all players with a season-high 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Robert Covington scored 16 points and eight rebounds.
The Sixers got a total team effort from their bench: Gerald Henderson (nine points), Richaun Holmes (eight points, seven rebounds, five assists and four blocks), Nik Stauskas (nine points, six rebounds, four assists), Sergio Rodriguez (nine points, seven assists) and Shawn Long (eight points, three rebounds).
6-foot-1 Terry Rozier recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Jae Crowder scored 15 points with seven rebounds and four assists.
Embiid back in Philadelphia
Joel Embiid has returned to Philadelphia after spending time in California meeting with doctors about the meniscus tear in his left knee. The team's medical staff and Embiid's representatives are reviewing the information. They have not made a timetable or a decision about Embiid's next steps.
Up next
The Sixers will travel to Orlando Sunday for a back-to-back against the Magic on Monday night.