Payton Pritchard drops career-playoff-high 32 as Celtics shoot down Sixers to take 3-1 lead

Payton Pritchard delivered a standout performance with a career playoff-high 32 points off the bench, powering the Boston Celtics to a dominant 128-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night. The victory gives Boston a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series, with Game 5 set for Tuesday in Boston. Jayson Tatum was equally influential, finishing with 30 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds while knocking down five three-pointers. Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the Celtics moved within one win of advancing.


Boston’s offense was relentless from beyond the arc, setting a franchise playoff record with 24 three-pointers. Pritchard led the charge, hitting six triples and shooting 12-of-21 from the field. For the second straight game, the Celtics made more three-pointers than two-point baskets, showcasing their perimeter dominance.


Joel Embiid returned for Philadelphia after missing the first three games following an appendectomy. Despite the layoff, he led the 76ers with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey contributed 22 points, while Paul George chipped in 16.


Embiid started aggressively, scoring Philadelphia’s first eight points while wearing a protective brace. However, Boston quickly took control. Pritchard’s early scoring burst helped the Celtics build a 34-18 lead after one quarter, and they extended it to 56-38 by halftime.

The gap widened further in the third quarter as Boston continued its offensive surge. By the fourth, the game was effectively over, with Tatum’s four-point play pushing the lead to 30. The Celtics cruised from there, putting themselves firmly in control of the series.