Embiid wasn’t the only Sixers player facing a challenge coming into the game. Tyrese Maxey was fired up when his phone dinged with a message from his friend Trendon Watford. The Nets guard told Maxey he is always taking over regular old games, but could he do it on Christmas with all of his family watching?

Tyrese Maxey collected 33 points and 12 assists to lead the visiting Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

In picture. A win on Wednesday could give the Sixers the advantage and move them one spot closer as they would come up on the heels of the Detroit Pistons.But Wednesday’s Christmas Day slate game is far from a locked win for Philadelphia.