NBA Playoffs: Celtics Take Commanding Lead Over 76ers as Rockets Stun Lakers in Game 4

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

The NBA playoffs delivered another dramatic night on Sunday, with the Boston Celtics seizing control of their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers while the Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning road victory to extend their series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Elsewhere, Victor Wembanyama returned from injury to lead the San Antonio Spurs, and the Toronto Raptors evened their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics’ Dominant Performance

The Boston Celtics took a significant step toward advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs with a hard-fought 104-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 on Sunday. The win gave Boston a commanding 3-1 series lead, putting them one win away from closing out the series in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Payton Pritchard emerged as the unlikely hero for the Celtics, delivering a standout performance in the absence of key contributors. Pritchard scored 22 points, including four three-pointers, and added seven assists, stepping up while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for just 34 points on 12-of-34 shooting. “Pritchard was huge for us tonight,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said postgame. “He gave us the spark we needed when our stars were struggling.”

The 76ers, who welcomed back reigning MVP Joel Embiid for his postseason debut after a knee injury, simply couldn’t generate enough offense to overcome Boston’s relentless defense. Embiid finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 6-of-18 from the field. “We didn’t execute well enough,” Embiid admitted. “Boston made it tough on us, and we have to be better.”

With the series shifting back to Philadelphia for Game 5 on Tuesday, the 76ers face an uphill battle. No team in NBA history has ever approach back from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series. For Boston, the focus will be on closing out the series and avoiding the need for a potential Game 7 in Boston.

Rockets Stun Lakers in Game 4, Avoid Sweep

In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets delivered a statement performance to stave off elimination, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 110-98 in Game 4 on Sunday. The victory cut the Lakers’ series lead to 3-1, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in Houston on Wednesday.

The Rockets, playing without star forward Kevin Durant due to a sprained ankle, relied heavily on center Alperen Şengün, who dominated with 28 points and 14 rebounds. “Alperen was incredible tonight,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said. “He carried us when we needed it most.”

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ offense sputtered without key contributors Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique). LeBron James led Los Angeles with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but the Lakers’ supporting cast failed to provide enough firepower. “We didn’t have enough tonight,” James said. “Houston came out and played with more energy, and we have to match that in Game 5.”

The Rockets’ victory marked just the 13th time in NBA history that a team has forced a Game 5 after trailing 3-0 in a best-of-seven series. While the odds remain stacked against Houston, their resilience has injected new life into the series.

Wembanyama Returns as Spurs Cruise Past Blazers

Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return to the court for the San Antonio Spurs after missing Game 3 due to a concussion suffered in Game 2. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick showed no signs of rust, recording 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks in the Spurs’ 112-91 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers. The victory gave San Antonio a 3-1 series lead, with a chance to close out the series in Game 5 on Tuesday.

“It was great to be back out there,” Wembanyama said. “I felt solid, and the team played well together. We seek to finish this series strong.”

The Trail Blazers, who were without star guard Damian Lillard due to a knee injury, struggled to keep pace with the Spurs’ length and athleticism. Portland now faces elimination in Game 5, with their season hanging in the balance.

Raptors Even Series with Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors evened their first-round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers at 2-2 with a 98-93 victory in Game 4 on Sunday. The win was a much-needed response for Toronto, which had dropped Games 2 and 3 to fall behind in the series.

The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams shooting under 40% from the field. The Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley, last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, continued to struggle offensively, finishing with just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting. “We need more from Evan,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He’s capable of so much more, and we’re counting on him to step up.”

With the series tied, Game 5 will tip off in Cleveland on Tuesday, where the Cavaliers will look to regain control.

Key Takeaways from Sunday’s Playoff Action

• Celtics on the Brink: Boston is one win away from advancing to the second round after taking a 3-1 lead over the 76ers. Payton Pritchard’s clutch performance has been a revelation for the Celtics.
• Rockets Refuse to Go Quietly: Houston’s victory over the Lakers was a reminder that no lead is safe in the playoffs. Alperen Şengün’s dominance in the paint kept the Rockets’ season alive.
• Wembanyama’s Impact: The Spurs’ young star returned from injury and immediately made his presence felt, leading San Antonio to a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Trail Blazers.
• Raptors Respond: Toronto evened its series with Cleveland, setting up a pivotal Game 5. The Raptors’ defense was the difference in a low-scoring affair.

What’s Next?

The NBA playoffs continue on Tuesday with three must-watch games:

• Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics (Game 5): 7:00 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia. The Celtics can close out the series with a win.
• Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs (Game 5): 9:30 p.m. ET at Moda Center, Portland. The Spurs aim to advance to the second round.
• Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 5): 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland. The winner will take a 3-2 series lead.

The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers will tip off Game 5 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET at Toyota Center in Houston, with the Lakers looking to close out the series.

For real-time updates and highlights, follow the official NBA playoffs tracker on NBA.com.

What do you think about the Celtics’ chances of closing out the series? Can the Rockets pull off the impossible and force a Game 7? Share your thoughts in the comments below.