As a dangerous January schedule looms, Boston hasn't been playing up to its standard recently, falling 4 games out of first in the East.

Tyrese Maxey gave the Celtics more than they could handle in a Christmas Day showdown on Wednesday, as the 76ers earned a signature 118-114 win at the expense of their defending champion rivals. Here are the takeaways.

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.

Moments like Christmas Day are why the Philadelphia 76ers went out and brought in Caleb Martin on a deal in free agency. It has been an overall struggle for Martin on the season as he been dealing with injuries,

Martin, who tormented Boston while a member of the Miami Heat, including during the 2023 Eastern Conference finals, poured in 23 points Wednesday on 8-of-11 shooting.

Caleb Martin steals Christmas from Celtics fans with two triples in a row for the 76ers.