Celtics 128, 76ers 96: Boston Takes 3-1 Series Lead

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena, taking a 3-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. Jayson Tatum set the tone with 30 points and 11 assists, while Payton Pritchard led all scorers with 32 points in Boston’s road win.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Boston took control early with a 34-18 opening quarter. The Celtics moved the ball cleanly, found rhythm from three-point range, and built a double-digit lead before Philadelphia could settle in. That 16-point edge immediately put the 76ers in catch-up mode.

Second Quarter

The teams played a more even second period, with Boston edging Philadelphia 22-20. The 76ers did a better job generating offense through Joel Embiid, but they were unable to make a meaningful run. By halftime, the Celtics held a 56-38 lead and had already established the pace of the game.

Third Quarter

Philadelphia showed more life offensively in the third, scoring 36 points, but Boston answered with its highest-scoring quarter of the night at 39. Every time the 76ers looked ready to trim the margin, the Celtics responded with efficient half-court execution and timely perimeter shooting. Boston entered the fourth ahead 95-74.

Fourth Quarter

Any remaining suspense faded in the final period as the Celtics outscored the 76ers 33-22. Boston continued to generate quality looks and maintained firm control on the glass, closing out a comfortable 32-point victory without needing overtime.

Key Performers

Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum delivered an all-around performance with 30 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, finishing as Boston’s top overall playmaker. Payton Pritchard added a game-high 32 points, giving the Celtics another major scoring lift. Neemias Queta led Boston with eight rebounds, and the Celtics finished with 28 assists as a team.

Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid was Philadelphia’s clear offensive leader, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. He accounted for the 76ers’ team highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Still, Philadelphia struggled to find enough support around him, shooting 41.3 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from three.

NerdSports Stat: Boston made 24 three-pointers while Philadelphia made 9, a plus-45 margin from beyond the arc alone in a 32-point playoff win.

Game Analysis

This game turned on Boston’s efficiency, spacing, and rebounding advantage. The Celtics shot 48.3 percent overall and 45.3 percent from three, hitting 24 of 53 attempts from deep. That perimeter production consistently stretched Philadelphia’s defense and opened driving and passing lanes throughout the night.

Boston also controlled the glass, finishing with a 51-30 rebounding edge. That extra possession battle helped the Celtics maintain their lead even during Philadelphia’s better offensive stretches, especially in the third quarter. The Celtics attempted seven more field goals and kept the game moving in their favor with balanced offensive contributions.

For Philadelphia, Embiid produced a strong individual line, but the team never recovered from the slow start. The 76ers trailed by 18 at halftime and were forced to play from behind throughout. While they generated 25 assists, their 9-for-30 night from three-point range limited their ability to apply pressure on Boston’s lead.

Closing Context

With the victory, Boston now leads the Eastern Conference first-round series 3-1 and moves one win away from advancing. The Celtics also improved to 56-26 overall, while Philadelphia falls to 45-37 and now faces elimination heading into Game 5.

Frequently Asked Questions