Embiid Returns, Celtics Crush 76ers in Game 4

Sunday at the arena, Boston beat Philadelphia 128-96, taking a 3-1 series lead. Joel Embiid, cleared 30 minutes before tip-off after an April 9 appendectomy, played 34 minutes, scoring 26 points with 10 rebounds and six assists. Boston opened with a 22-5 run and never trailed by 14.

Associated Press

The series was tied 2-2 after a Game 2 win and a Game 3 loss. Embiid missed the first, was doubtful for Game 3, then upgraded to questionable before Game 4 and returned in a brace, noting “complications” but saying he was trying to do his best.

The Morning Call

Philadelphia’s core featured Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who scored 22 points on three first-half shots. Boston’s players: Payton Pritchard (32 points, 4-of-6 threes), Jayson Tatum (30 points, 11 assists) and Jaylen Brown (20 points). Boston shot 24-of-53 threes (45 %) and out-rebounded Philadelphia 51-30; Philadelphia shot 9-of-21 overall (43 %) and 1-of-6 from three. Embiid’s usage rate was 37.8 %.

Associated Press

Joel Embiid called the effort “tough” and said team “didn’t play well.” Nick Nurse said squad was “half-step behind” on defense and rebounding, and would “dig into the film.” Payton Pritchard noted a “small adjustment” before tip-off and Jayson Tatum highlighted the boost from second-chance points. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said his team had to “contain” Embiid.

Payton Pritchard’s savage mic drop on Joel Embiid’s return after 32-point shellacking

Analysts called the Sixers’ reliance on Embiid a “Faustian bargain,” saying his return slowed the offense and limited spacing; critics faulted Nurse’s delayed removal of Drummond, Oubre’s starter role despite poor shooting, and the team’s lack of three-point threats—Philadelphia made only nine threes. Boston’s superior box-outs widened the rebounding gap.

4 takeaways: Joel Embiid returns, Celtics cruise to 3-1 lead

Sources differ on Embiid’s shooting line: one lists 5-for-15 from outside the arc, another records 1-of-6 three-point attempts. Details of his complications remain vague, with some citing “unspecified complications” and others a “stomach-virus-like” feeling. Turnover data were not provided.

ESPN

• “It's tough. But you try to do the best job possible with the conditions. Still got to go out there and try to play well and win a basketball game and we didn't do that tonight. We didn't play well.” — Joel Embiid, center, Philadelphia 76ers

ESPN

• “That can’t happen. That’s on me,” — Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers

The Morning Call

• “We just changed maybe a small adjustment before the game, but we didn’t talk about it at all,” — Payton Pritchard, guard, Boston Celtics

Payton Pritchard’s savage mic drop on Joel Embiid’s return after 32-point shellacking

Game 5 moves to Boston Tuesday. Philadelphia must improve shooting, rebounding and rotations; Boston will aim to keep its shooting and glass edge. Coaches signaled lineup tweaks.

ESPN