Barnes Powers Raptors to Historic Game 4 Win; Pritchard Sets Career High, Stevens Earns Praise, Maxey Vows to Bounce Back
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The Toronto Raptors overcame one of the worst shooting nights in postseason history to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4, prevailing despite hitting just 4-of-30 three-pointers and shooting 32.0 percent overall. No other team has ever won a playoff contest with such low percentages.
Forward Scottie Barnes spearheaded the unlikely 93-87 victory, finishing 6-for-15 from the field and score-or-assist accounting for 35 of Toronto’s points while anchoring the defense. “He scores, he moves the ball, he rebounds, he defends, he does everything out there,” teammate RJ Barrett said. Barnes, a two-time All-Star this season, averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists and placed fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Celtics
Payton Pritchard delivered a playoff career-best 32 points in Boston’s 128-96 Game 4 rout of Philadelphia. The guard credited meticulous off-court habits for his surge, citing examples set by LeBron James, Al Horford and Jrue Holiday. Pritchard avoids alcohol, limits bread and sweets, and prioritizes sleep to maximize performance.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens is drawing Executive of the Year buzz after rebuilding a frontcourt that lost multiple key pieces last summer. His additions—such as center Neemias Queta—helped first-year head coach Joe Mazzulla guide Boston to 56 wins in what many expected to be a transitional season.
76ers
Despite the return of center Joel Embiid on Sunday, Philadelphia fell behind early and never challenged in its Game 4 loss at TD Garden. Guard Tyrese Maxey had only seven first-half points on three shot attempts and lamented his passivity afterward. “That absolutely can’t happen,” Maxey said. He finished with 22 points on 14 shots, after taking at least 20 attempts in each of the series’ first three games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
