Celtics overpower 76ers despite Embiid’s comeback, seize 3-1 advantage
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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid was back in uniform Sunday night, but the Boston Celtics turned his long-awaited return into little more than a footnote, rolling past the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 in Game 4 and moving within one win of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The reigning MVP played 34 minutes less than three weeks after an emergency appendectomy, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Boston, however, dominated almost every other category, opening a 34-18 lead after one quarter and never trailing again.
Guard Payton Pritchard sparked the Celtics with 32 points and a buzzer-beating, one-legged three to close the first period, while Jayson Tatum supplied 30 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Boston has now outscored Philadelphia by 87 points from beyond the arc through four games and attempted 65 more three-pointers than the Sixers.
“We wanted to be the more desperate team,” Tatum said of the two victories in Philadelphia. “However long it takes, be prepared to do whatever it takes.”
Embiid scored the game’s first eight points but acknowledged the uphill climb ahead. “Down 3-1, it’s been done before,” he said. “Getting one in Boston is going to be tough.” Game 5 is Tuesday night at TD Garden.
The Sixers struggled offensively, missing their fifth three-pointer and grabbing their first offensive rebound only midway through the third quarter. Tyrese Maxey attempted just three first-half shots, a stat he labeled “absolutely unacceptable.” Head coach Nick Nurse lamented a lack of defensive resistance, saying, “It just didn’t seem like any matchup could guard anybody 1-on-1 tonight.”
Embiid had been listed as doubtful for Games 3 and 4 after complications from surgery that followed what he initially thought was food poisoning. He practiced only once before Sunday’s tip-off, regaining his starting spot from second-year center Adem Bona.
The 76ers must now win in Boston to extend the series and force Game 6 back to Philadelphia on Thursday. A Celtics victory Tuesday would end Philadelphia’s season against their longtime rival for the second time in three years.
Source: ESPN
