Joel Embiid returns, but Sixers collapse in Game 4 loss to Celtics

The Sixers welcomed back Joel Embiid but were utterly trounced by the Boston Celtics by a final score of 128-96 in Game 4. Embiid led Philly with 26 points, but the team’s defense couldn’t slow down Boston.

Here’s what stood out.

A major miscalculation

After doing a tremendous job in Games 2 and 3 of this series, Nick Nurse regressed massively in his approach to Game 4. 

Reintegrating Joel Embiid into the team’s offensive and defensive schemes is admittedly no easy problem, but it is the problem that Nurse is tasked with. The Sixers’ offense immediately regressed as ball movement slowed and the team struggled to find open shots against the Celtics’ swarming defense.

Nurse inexplicably continued to rely on Andre Drummond, who has struggled mightily defensively throughout the series, rather than on Adem Bona, who, despite his noticeable foibles, has been one of the best rim protectors in the entire playoffs. Bona played just three minutes as Drummond made his way to the locker room after suffering a brief leg injury, and they were three beautiful, competent minutes.

He would not make an appearance again until the garbage moments in the fourth quarter.

This game was a complete failure by all, but much of the weight falls on the head coach for some truly inexcusable decision-making.

A disappointing lack of aggression

Tyrese Maxey showed a complete lack of aggression. It took nearly nine minutes for him to attempt his first shot of the game, and he had just three attempts by the half. Maxey opened the second half more aggressively, but finished a pivotal Game 4 with only 14 shot attempts.

Embiid’s return played a role, but the greatest force holding Maxey back in this game was himself. That cannot remain the case come Game 5, or frankly, any game as long as he’s the effective face of the franchise. 

Other takeaways

• Andre Drummond cannot see the court again this series. If Nick Nurse is hoping to turn this series around, it’s Joel Embiid and Adem Bona from here out.
• Quentin Grimes finally looked engaged offensively, but only in the complete absence of alternative scoring options.
• The Matt Cord era is officially over unless the Sixers can force a Game 6. If this is it for the golden in-arena voice, it’s an unfortunate way to go out. He deserved better.

Up next for the Sixers

The Sixers travel up to Boston for Game 5. Ideally, the team will continue to work on reintegrating Joel Embiid between now and then.

Tipoff is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden.

Unless otherwise stated, all stats included in this article are via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, Basketball Reference or Team Rankings. All salary information via Spotrac.