Celtics take series stranglehold with rout of 76ers in Game 4, push Philly to brink
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Payton Pritchard scored a playoff-career-high 32 points, leading the Boston Celtics to a dominant 128-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4, giving Boston a 3-1 series lead.
- Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown contributed 30 and 20 points respectively, while Boston’s strong rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, was a key factor in their blowout win.
- Joel Embiid returned from emergency appendectomy surgery to score 26 points but was limited in impact as the Celtics controlled the game pace and rebounding battle.
- The 76ers struggled offensively and defensively, particularly with rebounding, grabbing just six offensive boards compared to Boston’s 63 total rebounds, highlighting their difficulties in matching the Celtics’ intensity.
- Analysts suggest the series is likely over given Boston’s dominance and Philadelphia’s inconsistent performance, with Game 5 set to take place in Boston.
