Celtics Take Commanding 3-1 Lead Over 76ers in NBA Playoffs First Round

PHILADELPHIA — The Boston Celtics delivered a masterclass in resilience and execution on Sunday, overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff matchup. The victory, secured on the road at Wells Fargo Center, sets the stage for Boston to close out the series in Game 5 on Tuesday at TD Garden.

For the Celtics, who entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the East with a 56-26 regular-season record, the win was a statement of dominance. Despite missing Jayson Tatum for much of the season due to an Achilles injury, Boston has relied on a balanced attack and elite defense to assert control in this series. The 76ers, who clawed their way into the postseason via the NBA Play-In Tournament, now face elimination in a rivalry that has spanned nearly eight decades.

What Happened: Celtics’ Offensive Explosion

The Celtics came out firing from the opening tip, jumping to a 35-22 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. Boston’s offense, which ranked No. 2 in the NBA in offensive rating during the regular season, was in full flight, with six players scoring in double figures. Jaylen Brown led the charge with 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting, while Jrue Holiday added 22 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. Derrick White, who has been a revelation in the playoffs, chipped in with 18 points and 5 steals.

The 76ers, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency. Joel Embiid, who has been battling a knee injury, finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds but shot just 9-of-22 from the field. Tyrese Maxey added 20 points, but Philadelphia’s supporting cast failed to provide enough firepower. The 76ers shot just 39.5% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range, while Boston connected on 52.4% of its shots and 42.9% from beyond the arc.

“We knew they were going to come out aggressive, but we didn’t match their energy,” Embiid said postgame. “We’ve got to be better. This is do or die now.”

Turning Points: Boston’s Defense and Bench Depth

The Celtics’ victory was built on two key factors: relentless defense and bench production. Boston held the 76ers to just 96 points, their lowest output of the series, and forced 18 turnovers. The Celtics’ defense, which ranked No. 4 in the NBA during the regular season, suffocated Philadelphia’s half-court sets, limiting Embiid’s effectiveness in the post and disrupting the 76ers’ transition game.

Offensively, Boston’s bench outscored Philadelphia’s 38-14, with Payton Pritchard providing a spark with 14 points off the pine. The Celtics’ depth has been a major advantage in this series, allowing them to maintain a high level of play even when their starters rest.

“Our bench was huge tonight,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “They gave us energy, they gave us scoring, and they kept the pressure on. That’s what we need to close out this series.”

Why It Matters: Celtics One Win Away from Advancing

With a 3-1 lead, the Celtics are now one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. A victory in Game 5 would mark their third consecutive playoff series win over the 76ers, following triumphs in 2020 and 2023. For Philadelphia, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The 76ers have not come back from a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series since 1982, when they rallied to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Celtics, meanwhile, are playing with the confidence of a team that believes it can contend for a championship. Their elite two-way play—ranked No. 4 in both offensive and defensive rating during the regular season—has been on full display in this series. With Tatum expected to return at full strength for the postseason, Boston’s ceiling is as high as any team in the league.

Historical Context: A Rivalry for the Ages

The Celtics and 76ers have one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries, dating back to the 1950s when Philadelphia was still the Syracuse Nationals. The two franchises have met in the playoffs 22 times, with Boston holding a 17-5 advantage. The Celtics have won 10 of the last 12 playoff series between the teams, including the last two in 2020 and 2023.

This year’s matchup is the first playoff meeting between the teams since 2023, when Boston overcame a 3-2 deficit to win Game 7 in Philadelphia. The 76ers have not defeated the Celtics in a playoff series since 1982, when they went on to win the NBA championship.

Key Stats That Tell the Story

• Shooting Efficiency: Celtics shot 52.4% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range, while the 76ers shot 39.5% and 28.6%, respectively.
• Bench Production: Boston’s bench outscored Philadelphia’s 38-14.
• Turnovers: The 76ers committed 18 turnovers, leading to 22 Celtics points.
• Rebounding: Celtics outrebounded the 76ers 48-42, including 12 offensive rebounds.

What’s Next: Game 5 in Boston

The series now shifts back to TD Garden for Game 5 on Tuesday, April 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN and the ESPN app. If necessary, Game 6 will be played in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 30, with a potential Game 7 in Boston on Saturday, May 2.

For the 76ers, the path forward is narrow. They must win three straight games—two of them on the road—to advance. For the Celtics, it’s simple: one more win, and they’ll move on to face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

How to Watch

Fans can catch Game 5 on the following platforms:

• TV: ESPN
• Live Stream: ESPN app, DIRECTV, Peacock, Prime Video

Key Takeaways

• The Celtics dominated Game 4, winning 128-96 to take a 3-1 series lead.
• Jaylen Brown led Boston with 28 points, while Jrue Holiday added 22.
• The Celtics’ defense and bench depth were decisive factors in the victory.
• The 76ers now face elimination in Game 5, with Joel Embiid acknowledging the team’s need to “be better.”
• Boston is one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

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