The Philadelphia 76ers finally got on the board in their series with the Boston Celtics Monday night. The Sixers pulled out a 103-92 win, thanks largely to Joel Embiid’s continued dominance.
Embiid has been a monster in the postseason. He put up 15 points and 13 boards Monday night. He also got into it with Celtics guard Terry Rozier, who refused to hand the rock over to him after committing a turnover — an action that has spurred many a confrontation in the league this season.
Tensions ran high between Joel Embiid and Terry Rozier in Game 4. pic.twitter.com/eYNGlMsynQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 8, 2018
After the game, Rozier downplayed the kerfuffle.
Terry Rozier on mixup with Joel Embiid: “It’s just out there having fun. To set the record straight I wake up every morning not worried about nobody, no man on this earth.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 8, 2018
Embiid, however, continued talking trash. He poked fun at the 6-foot-2 Rozier.
“He tried to punch me twice,” JoJo said. “Too bad he’s so short, he couldn’t get to my face.”
Joel Embiid didn't let up on Terry Rozier after the game. pic.twitter.com/cRp6wE1Tx7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 8, 2018
Sixers' Joel Embiid on confrontation w/ Celtics' Terry Rozier: ""He tried to punch me twice. Too bad he's so short he couldn't get to my face. I didn't understand why it was a double technical." pic.twitter.com/ABdaetgeqM
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 8, 2018
How Sixers Won
Philly pulled away in the second and third quarters. The Sixers won the second, 26-21, and third, 29-22. Boston hung around, but the Sixers buried the Celtics in the final minutes.
Dario Saric led Philadelphia with 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. He consistently took advantage of mismatches in the post. T.J. McConnell chipped in a surprising 19 points off the bench.
The teams will head back to Boston for Game 5. They’ll square off Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST at TD Garden.