But Maxey zipped past Pritchard and found a clear lane to the basket, where he put in an off-balance layup just before time expired. The play all but finished off the Celtics in this 118-114 loss, and it was an example of the uncharacteristic missteps that doomed them.

The Celtics lost 118-114 to the Sixers on Christmas Day. Check out our live blog for a complete recap of the game.

Philadelphia's Christmas Day win over defending champion Boston is the latest in a string of performances that has turned around the 76ers' season and renewed their championship aspirations.

Joel Embiid popped up from a pregame fall and scored 27 points with nine rebounds, making 4 of 5 from 3-point range and sinking a pair of free throws with 3 seconds left to turn back Boston's final rally and lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-114 victory on Wednesday.

The Celtics are riding their first losing streak of the season after losing to the 76ers 118-114 on Christmas Day at TD Garden.