Embiids Choke Sign Celebration: A Tribute to Iversons Iconic Moment in 76ers-Celtics Rivalry

In a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals opener, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics fought to the final seconds, with the 76ers ultimately prevailing in overtime 125-123 to take a 1-0 series lead. The game was marked by a sensational buzzer-beater from Joel Embiid, who sent the game into extra time with a shot that bounced off the back of the rim and in as the clock expired. Embiid's shot was initially celebrated prematurely, as his right foot was on the 3-point line upon review. However, it sent the game to overtime, where the 76ers held on for the 3-point win. The play was reminiscent of a similar moment in 2001, when Allen Iverson delivered a choke sign to Celtics super fan Kyrie Irving after sinking 38 fourth-quarter points to rally the 76ers to a 98-96 win. Embiid's celebration was a nod to Iverson's iconic moment, and he explained postgame that he would have saved the celebration had he known his shot was not a 3-pointer. "If I knew it was a 2, I would not have done it," he said. "I might have wasted it." 76ers head coach Doc Rivers gave Embiid's celebration his stamp of approval, saying "Joel has earned the right to do whatever he wants." The 76ers will look to build on their momentum in Game 2, hoping for a different outcome than their 2001 series against the Celtics, which ended with the Celtics advancing to the NBA Finals. The game was a microcosm of the season-long battle between these two teams, with both sides showing their resilience and determination to come out on top. The 76ers will need to continue their hot shooting and strong play if they are to advance further in the playoffs and make a run at their first NBA championship since 2001.