By William Armstead
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers by a score 128-96 in Game 4 of their first round series. The Celtics have now taken a commanding 3-1 lead and will go back home to Boston for Game 5 in an attempt to close out the series. They spoiled the return of Sixers star Joel Embiid in his first game back since his appendectomy.
Payton Pritchard shined for the Celtics. Pritchard came off the bench to drop 32 points, knocking down six threes from beyond the arc. Jayson Tatum had 30 points and 11 assists.
Tatum is playing some of his best basketball, smoothly settling back into the lineup after his Achilles injury.
The Celtics outrebounded the Sixers, earning 13 second chance points to get out to a 21-point lead.
Joel Embiid had 26 points and 10 rebounds in his return since his surgery. He went on a streak of seven missed shots, ending 9-21 from the field.
V.J. Edgecombe struggled once again after his explosive performance in Game 2, recording only six points on 2-9 shooting. Tyrese Maxey scored 22.
The Sixers had 21 less rebounds than the Celtics.
Game 5 will be on Tuesday in Boston, as the Celtics will look to eliminate the 76ers. Tip off is 7:00 p.m. on ESPN.