3 key players who helped the 76ers win Game 4 over the Celtics

Apr 22, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) dribbles up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter of game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) dribbles up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter of game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 76ers were able to win Game 4 against the Celtics. This game went to overtime and the 76ers needed a masterclass of a performance from James Harden.

The Philadelphia 76ers won Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, 116-115. This was one of the best playoffs game of the season, especially after the game headed to overtime in Philly. James Harden ended up with 42 points and Embiid finished with 34.

The 76ers were able to win the game thanks to Harden’s mastery and a late, game-winning 3-pointer, but also because of some contributions from the bench. They almost blew their lead in during the fourth quarter but Harden was able to avoid letting this series go to a 3-1 lead for the Celtics.

3 players who came up huge for the 76ers in Game 4:

3. Georges Niang

The third player for this list is a bit tough to find. Tyrese Maxey didn’t have a great night shooting the ball and Harris failed to show up in this one. Despite the lower-quality minutes that Niang played (19), the player was able to create spacing for the Sixers in this game.

He made a pair of 3-pointers and his spacing helped open things up for Harden and Embiid. P.J. Tucker would be a good pick here because of that And-1 late in regulation, but rewarding one play for an article about the entire game doesn’t make much sense, so we’re going with Niang.

2. Joel Embiid 

Joel Embiid ended up with 34 points on 42 percent shooting from the floor. Additionally, he ended up with 13 rebounds. He excelled a lot in the first half of the game, doing most of his damage to help build the lead for the 76ers. He was quieter in the second, but Harden was able to step up and take in the slack.

Joel Embiid struggled mightily in the fourth quarter of this game — Al Horford put the clamps on him. Still, the MVP was able to put on a monster night from the floor. Besides the fourth, he controlled the paint in this game.

1. James Harden 

James Harden ended up with 42 points on 69 percent shooting from the floor. The Beard had an amazing night from the floor that also included 9 assists and 8 rebounds.  During the second half, Embiid was struggling and Harden needed to come up with a big performance. He made every big play and helped keep the 76ers in the series.

Harden hit the game-winning shot on a pass from Embiid. He also hit the floater to set this game into overtime. Harden was the best player on the court after struggling in the previous two games in this series. He was hot from 3, in control when the 76ers needed it and clearly the MVP of Game 4.

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