Surprise X-Factor Named Ahead of Celtics Game 7 Clash vs. 76ers

The Boston Celtics walked into Game 6 on Thursday night with a chance to close the door on the Philadelphia 76ers, and instead lost to a team many had counted out weeks ago. The Celtics were outplayed from the opening stretch in a 106–93 loss, undone by cold shooting, turnovers, and an inability to contain a surging Tyrese Maxey, who poured in 30 points to keep Philly alive. The Sixers set the tone early and never let up, flipping what once looked like a comfortable 3–1 Celtics series lead into a full-blown crisis. Now the series shifts back to TD Garden for a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Saturday night, with momentum clearly in Philadelphia's favor. And now, in a series loaded with stars, a surprising 7-footer may be the one who decides it.Celtics' center Neemias Queta. On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Zach Kram identified Queta as Boston’s Game 7 “X-factor,” flipping the script away from stars like Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown and onto a 26-year-old and former second-round pick whose impact has been undeniable. "Boston's starting center was one of the most improved players in the NBA this season and a pleasant surprise for Boston after Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis,