Story perspectives

Boston Beats Sixers 128-96, Sets Threes Record

4/28/2026

Summary

Boston Leads

Boston beat Philadelphia 128-96 in Game 4 on April 26, 2026, gaining a 3-1 lead.
Joel Embiid returned from an April 9 appendectomy and logged 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists.
Boston outrebounded Philadelphia 51-30 and set a franchise playoff record with 24 made threes.
Payton Pritchard scored 32 points off the bench.
The Sixers must win Game 5 on April 28 at TD Garden, where Embiid said the 3-1 deficit can be overcome.

Summary

Sixers Demand Toughness

Coach Nick Nurse said the Sixers must improve toughness, guarding and rebounding before Game 5.
Paul George’s four-year, $211.6 million contract limits cap flexibility for roster depth.
Cleaning Glass data rank Philadelphia 27th in defensive rebounding and 23rd in three-point shooting.
Joel Embiid disclosed a lingering stomach problem that began in San Antonio, prompting scans and a hospital visit.
Tyrese Maxey urged the squad to “wash it off” and play desperately in Game 5.

History

Historical Context

After the Cleveland Cavaliers became the first team in NBA Finals history to overturn a 1-3 deficit in 2016, the league recognized that such comebacks can reshape playoff strategies. The 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals now mirror that narrative, with Boston holding a 3-1 lead over Philadelphia, prompting analysts to recall the 2016 turnaround as a template for potential upsets.

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Boston Leads

Boston beat Philadelphia 128-96 in Game 4 on April 26, 2026, gaining a 3-1 lead.
Joel Embiid returned from an April 9 appendectomy and logged 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists.
Boston outrebounded Philadelphia 51-30 and set a franchise playoff record with 24 made threes.
Payton Pritchard scored 32 points off the bench.
The Sixers must win Game 5 on April 28 at TD Garden, where Embiid said the 3-1 deficit can be overcome.

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