The Boston Celtics looked like they were on the road to eliminating the Philadelphia 76ers in five games. Even the Celtics legend Paul Pierce was under the impression that his former team would easily get it done against the Sixers.
When Joel Embiid returned for Game 4, the 76ers landed a big boost on paper, but it didn’t show up in the box score in the end. A second blowout loss in the series put the Sixers down 1-3.
It’s rare for teams to make that type of comeback, but Embiid and the 76ers proved another level could be reached on their end.
As Pierce explained, the Celtics weren’t ready for the next level of Embiid.
Paul Pierce Explains What Went Wrong For The Celtics
GettyMIAMI, FL – JUNE 05: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics reacts after he made a 3-point basket in the final minute of the fourt quarter to give the Celtics a 90-86 lead against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on June 5, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
“It was like a shock,” Pierce said on No Fouls Given.
“He came in, I was like, he’s going to be rusty, not going to be that well in pick and roll. It just showed you how skilled and how much of an impact player he is. And you forget about it because he deals with all these injuries all the time, his presence ain’t really there. You just don’t see him. And then he comes in, and he looks like he’s been playing all year long. He’s a true X factor in the series; he completely changed the series.”
Embiid appeared in four games for the 76ers, seeing the court for 36.5 minutes per game. The star center produced 28.0 points per game, averaged 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics 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)
It wasn’t Embiid playing hero-ball for the 76ers–but the presence of the star center changed the way their offense was guarded–and the way they defended.
The Celtics simply didn’t have an answer for Embiid. While they were scrambling trying to find one, Tyrese Maxey dominated. Paul George was the perfect No. 3 option, while the rest of the supporting cast played unselfish roles.
Everything clicked for the Sixers late, but it wasn’t late enough for the Celtics to put them away in time. From 1-3 to winning the series, the 76ers are now set to take on the New York Knicks on Monday night for Game 1.