Fans voice frustration after Sixers fall short in final minute of Game 3

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A wave of disappointed fans poured out of Xfinity Mobile Arena after a crushing finish Friday night, as the 76ers lost a tightly contested matchup that slipped away in the final seconds.

"Very disappointed. It was one of the best games up until the last 59 seconds," said Matt Portella of Cherry Hill. "I'm blaming the refs, because we were on. They were off."

"Really good game except for like the fouls and stuff - that was really unfair," added Nilah Mitchell of Mantua.

The Sixers returned to South Philadelphia with momentum after stealing a win in Boston earlier in the week. The Celtics led for most of the first half, but Philadelphia battled back and kept the game close until the final buzzer.

"We did good though, we had a good run," said Aiden Asllanaj of Woolwich. "We just need to up our game."

Some fans remained confident despite the loss. "Go Sixers though, man, we'll be back. Game 4, we'll be back," said Shaddiq Oglesby.

RELATED: Celtics beat the 76ers 108-100 in Game 3 behind 25 points each from Tatum and Brown

His friend, Tygee Clark added, "We'll be back for sure. Jayson Tatum, we're on your bumper."

Joel Embiid missed the game as he continues recovering from an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago. Supporters are hopeful he can return for Game 4 on Sunday.

"With Embiid back, it's a totally different series," said Andrew Schulman of Rittenhouse. "Hopefully, we can pull this through."

"We're gonna get 'em on Sunday!" said Stella Albenberg of Center City.

The night opened on a celebratory note as newly drafted Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon received a warm welcome from fans. He rang the pregame bell while wearing a Tyrese Maxey jersey.

Although the Sixers couldn't secure the win, Philadelphia sports fans still have more chances to celebrate a victory this weekend.

Xfinity Mobile Arena is expected to be packed Saturday again as Flyers fans look for a victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Flyers play Saturday at 8 p.m. The Sixers return Sunday at 7 p.m.