NBA Legend Magic Johnson Reacts to Celtics' Game 4 Win
The Boston Celtics took care of business on Sunday and spoiled Joel Embiid's return in Game 4. The Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers, 128-96, who had Embiid for the first time since he underwent appendectomy surgery. Their strong performance earned them praise from former NBA star Magic Johnson.
The Celtics' sixth man, Payton Pritchard, took over the game and had 32 points off the bench. In the first half, Pritchard was unstoppable and scored 18 points. All-Star forward Jayson Tatum added 30 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists.
Boston outplayed Philly and displayed urgency to win on the road before going back to the TD Garden for Game 5. The Celtics had 51 rebounds, while the 76ers had 30.
Magic Johnson Applauded the Celtics' Win
It was surprising for a former Los Angeles Lakers star to give credit for the Celtics' performance. However, Johnson knows when to give due credit to a team that plays well.
"I just witnessed the best all around team performance in the NBA Playoffs so far by the Boston Celtics in their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96!" Johnson posted on X.
"Their defense was amazing and offensively they made a total of 24 3's! The Celtics big three were fantastic - Tatum had 30 points, Brown had 20 points and Pritchard was the man that had the crowd going crazy with his dynamic 32 points off the bench! Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla has his team playing their best basketball at the right time!"
I just witnessed the best all around team performance in the NBA Playoffs so far by the Boston Celtics in their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96! Their defense was amazing and offensively they made a total of 24 3's! The Celtics big three were fantastic - Tatum had 30…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 27, 2026
The Celtics are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference that could pose as a threat to win the NBA championship. They've shown early in the postseason that they have what it takes to outplay any team they face. They have a chance to close out the series in their home court on Tuesday.
NBA player Jaylen Brown expressed gratitude for the team's overall performance. According to him, tonight's game was "a beautiful display of Celtics basketball."
Tatum also said that it was emphasized before the start of Game 4 to bring effort against the 76ers.
"That was a point of emphasis. They were the more desperate team Game 2…That's just kind of what we talked about over the last 48 hours, is just, we want to be the more desperate team."
Jayson Tatum on the Celtics playing like the more desperate team tonight:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) April 27, 2026
"That was a point of emphasis. They were the more desperate team Game 2…That's just kind of what we talked about over the last 48 hours, is just, we want to be the more desperate team."
"…Be prepared to… pic.twitter.com/Kii2CCu0GY
The Celtics have won six series and dominated the 76ers in the postseason since 1985. Boston was last beaten by Philadelphia in the postseason in 1982.
Related: 76ers' Tyrese Maxey Reacts to First Half Struggles Against Celtics in Game 4
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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 10:37 PM.