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The Philadelphia 76ers are on the brink of elimination after a crushing 128-96 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday (April 26) in Game Four of their first-round playoff series. The defeat at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia leaves the 76ers trailing the series three games to one as they head back to Boston for Game Five on Tuesday night.
The Celtics dominated the game, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scoring 25 points. Tatum, who recently returned from an Achilles tendon surgery, was particularly effective from beyond the arc, making five of his nine three-point attempts. According to ESPN, Brown contributed eight consecutive points in the fourth quarter, helping to widen the gap and secure the win for Boston.
Philadelphia struggled without their star center, Joel Embiid, who is still recovering from an appendectomy. In his absence, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points, while Paul George added 18. However, the team fell short, unable to match Boston's 20 successful three-pointers.
The 76ers' coach, Nick Nurse, acknowledged the challenge, stating, "They did make some pretty heavily contested ones, especially late in the game." The absence of Embiid was felt, as replacements Adem Bona and Andre Drummond combined for only 22 points.
The series now shifts to Boston, where the 76ers must win to avoid elimination. Game Five is scheduled for Tuesday night.