Celtics Defeat 76ers 128-96, Take 3-1 Series Lead

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 on Sunday, establishing a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Joel Embiid returned to the 76ers' lineup for Game 4 after recovering from an appendectomy.

Embiid registered 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in his first game since April 6. He started with 10 points in the first quarter but connected on 10 of his subsequent 26 field goal attempts. Embiid also missed 5 of his 6 three-point attempts and finished with a plus/minus rating of -25.

Boston's Jayson Tatum contributed to the victory, as did Payton Pritchard, who came off the bench. Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey attempted 14 field goals in 40 minutes, a decrease from his approximately 26 attempts per game average through the series' first three contests.

The Celtics now hold a 3-1 advantage in the series. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night.