Image source: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
The return of Joel Embiid had fans roaring and hopeful—but the Philadelphia 76ers quickly ran into a harsh reality check. Despite their MVP’s comeback from surgery, the Boston Celtics barely blinked. Instead, they delivered a commanding 128-96 win in Game 4, taking a 3-1 lead in the NBA Playoffs—and looking every bit like a team on a mission.
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Celtics Stay Locked In, No Matter Who’s on the Floor
While Embiid’s last-minute return grabbed headlines, Boston’s mindset didn’t change one bit. According to guard Payton Pritchard, the Celtics kept their focus simple—play their game.
No panic. No overthinking. Just execution.
Pritchard made it clear postgame that there was little discussion about adjusting to Embiid’s presence. The approach? Stick to fundamentals—tight defense, smart ball movement, and relentless rebounding. Basically, business as usual.
And honestly, it worked like a charm.
Pritchard Sparks Boston’s Offensive Explosion
Coming off the bench, Pritchard turned into Boston’s unlikely hero, dropping 32 points and hitting six three-pointers. At one point, it felt like every shot he took had GPS tracking—straight to the net.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum added 30 points and 11 assists, while Jaylen Brown chipped in 20. The Celtics didn’t just score—they overwhelmed.
One could say Boston’s offense was so smooth, it looked like a warm-up drill… except the scoreboard kept screaming otherwise.
Rebounding Battle Tells the Real Story
If there was one area that defined the game, it was rebounding. Boston crushed Philadelphia on the glass, 51-30, continuing a trend seen throughout the series.
That dominance showed early. The Celtics built a 14-rebound edge in the first half, which led to a brutal 13-0 run in second-chance points. By the time the dust settled, the game was practically out of reach.
It’s the kind of effort that makes coaches smile—and opponents quietly sigh.
Embiid’s Brave Return Can’t Lift Struggling Sixers
To his credit, Embiid showed grit. Just 17 days after an appendectomy, he posted 26 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes. Not bad for someone who was in a hospital bed not long ago.
He even came out firing, scoring eight of Philadelphia’s first nine points. For a brief moment, it felt like a movie comeback was in the works.
But then reality hit.
After a strong start, Embiid cooled off, and the team around him failed to step up. As the game slipped away, his heroic return started to feel more like a lone battle than a team effort.
Tyrese Maxey Takes Responsibility After Quiet Start
One of the biggest surprises? Tyrese Maxey’s slow start. The All-Star guard attempted just three shots in the first half, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.
To his credit, Maxey didn’t dodge the blame.
He openly admitted his performance wasn’t good enough, calling it “unacceptable.” While he finished with 22 points, the early passiveness hurt Philadelphia’s rhythm.
In playoff basketball, hesitation can be costly—and this time, it definitely was.
Celtics One Win Away from Closing It Out
With a 3-1 series lead, the Celtics now head back to Boston with a golden opportunity to seal the deal in Game 5. Their consistency, depth, and physical dominance have put them firmly in control.
As for the 76ers, they’ll need more than just Embiid’s return to turn things around. They need urgency, aggression, and maybe a little playoff magic.
Because right now, Boston looks like a team that isn’t just winning—they’re sending a message.
And if Philadelphia doesn’t respond quickly, this series might be over before the crowd even finds its voice again.
FAQ:
How did the Boston Celtics win Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Boston Celtics won Game 4 with strong defense, excellent rebounding, and efficient scoring. They dominated the boards 51-30 and used second-chance points to build a big lead early, eventually winning 128-96.
How did Joel Embiid perform in his return from injury?
Joel Embiid scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his return after an appendectomy. He started strong but slowed down as the game progressed, and his effort wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Who was the standout player for the Celtics in Game 4?
Payton Pritchard was the star of the night, scoring 32 points off the bench and hitting six three-pointers. His performance gave Boston a huge offensive boost.
What role did Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown play in the win?
Jayson Tatum contributed 30 points and 11 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 20 points. Together, they helped control the pace and maintain Boston’s lead.
Why did the 76ers struggle despite Embiid’s return?
The Philadelphia 76ers struggled due to poor rebounding, lack of urgency, and limited offensive support. They couldn’t match Boston’s intensity or execution on either end of the court.
What did Tyrese Maxey say about his performance?
Tyrese Maxey admitted his slow start was “unacceptable.” He took only three shots in the first half, which hurt the team’s offensive rhythm despite finishing with 22 points.
What is the current series score between the Celtics and 76ers?
The Celtics lead the series 3-1 after their dominant Game 4 victory.
When is Game 5 and what’s at stake?
Game 5 will be played in Boston, where the Celtics have a chance to close out the series. The 76ers must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Did the Celtics change their strategy for Embiid’s return?
No, the Celtics largely stuck to their original game plan. They focused on team defense, rebounding, and ball movement rather than adjusting heavily for Embiid.
Can the 76ers still come back in the series?
While it’s still possible, coming back from a 3-1 deficit is very difficult. The 76ers will need major improvements in effort, scoring, and defense to extend the series.
Also Read: Best or Worst Case: How Bad Is Anthony Edwards’ Knee Injury?
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