Joel Embiid’s Return Not Enough as Celtics Dominate 76ers in Game 4, Take 3-1 Series Lead
The Philadelphia 76ers welcomed back Joel Embiid from a 17-day absence due to an appendectomy, but his return wasn’t enough to slow down the Boston Celtics. In a commanding 128-96 victory in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series, the Celtics took a 3-1 lead, putting the 76ers on the brink of elimination. Payton Pritchard led the charge with a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum added 30 points and 11 assists in a performance that showcased Boston’s depth and dominance on both ends of the floor.
Celtics Start Strong and Never Appear Back
From the opening tip, the Celtics imposed their will on the 76ers, using a 22-5 run to close the first quarter and establish a lead they would never relinquish. Boston’s bench set the tone early, outscoring Philadelphia’s reserves 24-6 in the first quarter alone—a playoff record in the play-by-play era. Pritchard was particularly electric, scoring 13 of his 32 points in the opening frame, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer that extended Boston’s lead to 34-18.
The Celtics’ offensive firepower was on full display, with their bench combining for 55 points compared to just 24 for the 76ers. Boston’s three-point shooting was a key factor, as the team connected on 18 of its 42 attempts from beyond the arc. Pritchard led the way with five made threes, while Tatum and Jaylen Brown (20 points, 7 rebounds) provided steady production.
Embiid’s Struggle to Impact the Game
Embiid’s return was highly anticipated, but the reigning MVP looked understandably rusty after missing seven straight games. While he finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes, his impact was limited. Only six of his 21 shot attempts came in the paint, and he struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 5-for-15 from three-point range. The Celtics’ strategy of forcing Embiid to defend in space—particularly against bench bigs like Nikola Vučević and Luka Garza—disrupted his usual dominance.
“He looked like Embiid, but he was laboring,” noted one analyst. “Given that he’s less than three weeks removed from an appendectomy, it’s impressive he was out there at all. But this wasn’t the Embiid who can take over a game.”
76ers’ Backcourt Fails to Provide Enough Support
Tyrese Maxey had a strong game with 22 points, but the rest of Philadelphia’s supporting cast struggled to keep pace with Boston’s balanced attack. The 76ers’ inability to generate consistent offense outside of Embiid and Maxey allowed the Celtics to pull away early and maintain control throughout the game. Boston’s defense also stifled Philadelphia’s transition opportunities, holding the 76ers to just 96 points on 39% shooting.
Key Takeaways from Game 4
- Pritchard’s Playoff Breakout: The 2025 Sixth Man of the Year set a new career playoff high with 32 points, including a buzzer-beating three to end the first quarter. His performance was a reminder of why the Celtics signed him to a team-friendly deal in 2024.
- Celtics’ Bench Dominance: Boston’s reserves outscored Philadelphia’s 55-24, with Pritchard, Vučević, and Garza all making significant contributions. The Celtics’ depth has been a major advantage in this series.
- Embiid’s Rust: While his stat line was solid, Embiid’s lack of explosiveness and efficiency—particularly from three-point range—highlighted the challenges of returning from surgery in the middle of a playoff series.
- Series on the Brink: With a 3-1 lead, the Celtics are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 76ers, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to avoid elimination.
Celtics’ Playoff Dominance Continues
The victory was another chapter in Boston’s recent playoff success. Over the last 10 years, the Celtics have compiled a 36-14 record in first-round games, a testament to their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. This year’s team, led by Tatum, Brown, and a deep supporting cast, appears poised to produce another deep postseason run.
“This is a team that knows how to win,” said a former NBA coach. “They don’t panic when things get tough, and they have multiple guys who can take over a game. That’s a dangerous combination in the playoffs.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Game 5 will tip off in Boston on Wednesday, April 29, with the Celtics looking to close out the series. For the 76ers, the focus will be on adjusting their game plan to better support Embiid and generate more consistent offense. If Philadelphia can’t find a way to slow down Boston’s bench and limit their three-point shooting, the series could approach to an end sooner rather than later.
For the Celtics, the goal is clear: advance to the second round and continue their pursuit of another championship. With Tatum and Brown playing at an elite level and Pritchard providing a spark off the bench, Boston has all the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games has Joel Embiid missed this season?
Embiid missed seven straight games due to an appendectomy before returning for Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Celtics.
What was Payton Pritchard’s performance in Game 4?
Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench, including five three-pointers. His performance was instrumental in Boston’s victory.
What is the Celtics’ first-round playoff record over the last 10 years?
The Celtics have compiled a 36-14 record in first-round playoff games over the last decade, showcasing their consistency in the postseason.
What’s at stake for the 76ers in Game 5?
The 76ers face elimination in Game 5. If they lose, their season will come to an end, making it a must-win situation for Philadelphia.