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Payton Pritchard

Still not satiated from chewing up all the defenders in black, Payton Pritchard danced, pranced, hesi’d, danced some more, threw a step back at a wobbling defender and let it fly. 

Pritchard shot the crowd that wanted Boston one of those stares as he trotted back on defense. 

The Celtics won Game 4 in striking fashion, extending their series lead to commanding 3-1. 

But we’d all be remiss if we failed to mention what No. 11 in green did last night.

And they say Sunday night’s in the City of Brotherly Love are calm. Pffff.

Pritchard-led Boston thoroughly dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4. The Sixers welcomed back star big man Joel Embiid after he was sidelined just 17 days due to an appendicitis diagnosis. 

The Celtics, however, played like it was business as usual. 

Now with a chance to close out the series at TD Garden, the C’s aim to right the wrong of Game 2.

Payton Pritchard Shines in Big Win

In Game 3, it was the Jays who did the heavy lifting. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points. Tatum, continuing to amaze less than two months since his return from a ruptured Achilles tendon, hit two massive 3-pointers in the final minutes of regulation to give the Celtics the edge.

By the way, taking a “backseat” for Tatum meant a measly little 30-point night.

Last night, Boston’s big guns took a backseat as the fearless, daring Pritchard stepped up to the plate, delivering a game-high 32 points to go along with four rebounds, five assists and six 3-pointers. 

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics goes in for a layup against Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

After the game, the Celtics announced Pritchard as the Xfinity Player of the Game. A well deserved honor for the 28-year-old Boston guard. 

The Celtics have flashed their well-roundedness this series. Tatum, who was named the Xfinity Player of the Game in Game 3, scored more points last night than he did in Game 3. 

But Pritchard was undeniable and flat-out inevitable last night. Every time it felt like the Sixers could creep back in, there went Pritchard again, playing the game on a string and barking something to the fans at Xfinity Mobile Arena. 

An Opportunity to Close Out the Round One Party

This iteration of the Boston-Philadelphia playoff clash hasn’t been short of drama, even though the 3-1 series score may indicate otherwise.

The Celtics jumped the Sixers in Game 1, going wire-to-wire in a runaway victory. Philadelphia punched back in Game 2, winning in a fashion similar to how Boston triumphed in the opening game. 

Game 3 was closely-contested before Tatum erupted with some clutch plays in his first road postseason game since rupturing his Achilles tendon nearly a year ago. 

The Celtics’ win of over 30 points last night marked the third blowout of the series. Game 5 is an opportunity for Boston to avoid making this series any longer. Rest is a luxury this time of year and is something the Celtics would miss out on if they dilly-dally around and drop the next game.

Game 5 from TD Garden tips off 7:00 p.m. Tuesday night.