Everything you need to know about Game 4 of the Sixers-Celtics series was encapsulated in a single Boston possession late in the first quarter.

Jayson Tatum missed a three-pointer, and teammate Baylor Scheierman tracked down the offensive rebound. 

And well, OK, it happens.

But then the ball found its way to the C’s Nikola Vucevic, who also came up empty from the arc.

And Jordan Walsh gathered in the miss for Boston. And Tatum tried again from deep, but was unable to connect. And the ball caromed out of bounds, off the Sixers.

The possession ended with Philadelphia’s Dominick Barlow fouling Vucevic. That the veteran center missed both free throws is immaterial. The Celtics were taking the game to the Sixers. Had been since the opening tip, in fact. And they never stopped, en route to a 128-96 runaway.

Even with Joel Embiid back in the lineup, the Sixers shot miserably and defended horribly. But the long and short of this one is that they got outworked. That is reflected most in their work on the boards (or lack of same), and it is as inexplicable as it is embarrassing.

Staring at a 3-1 series deficit, this is all they could muster? Hoping to make a stand, they instead laid down? Hoping to redeem an up-and-down season, they instead cashed in their chips?

Unacceptable.

Nick Nurse said this one was, like the Game 1 blowout loss, an “about-as-bad-as-we-can-play game,” and there can be no dissent on that score. Boston swished a franchise-playoff-record 24 triples, six of those by backup guard Payton Pritchard, who finished with 32 points. Tatum added 30, and Jaylen Brown had 20.

The Sixers also shot 33.3 percent while falling behind by 18 at halftime. At that point the rebounding difference was 36-23 in the Celtics’ favor. That includes 9-0 on the offensive glass, leading to a 13-0 advantage on second-chance points for the visitors.

The Sixers did not collect their first offensive board until 6:51 remained in the third quarter. Read that again: 6:51 in the third quarter. The final rebounding gap was 51-30, the difference in second-chance points 18-9.

Again, unacceptable.

“It’s tough,” Tyrese Maxey said. “Honestly, that’s tough. … I hate to say this, but we’ve gotta wash it. We’ve gotta let it go right now, because it happened. We’re down 3-1, and we’ve got a game on Tuesday, and our season’s on the line, so we’ve gotta play desperate.”

But why not do that on Sunday?

“We shoulda been,” he said. “Shoulda been.”

Nurse said his team was “a half-step behind, energy-wise,” and that when it came to rebounds the Celtics “wanted to chase ‘em down more than we did.”

“It’s hard to watch, and hard to explain, too,” he said.

Which is why the arena had begun emptying out long before the final buzzer. The only ones who seemed to be left were Celtics fans, and most of them were chanting, “We want Boston,” a mocking reference to the chorus sounded by Sixers followers during the play-in victory over Orlando.

Well, the Sixers got the Celtics all right. Got every bit of them, and have been ill-equipped to deal with them.

“It’s certainly disappointing at this stage for sure, right?” Nurse said.

Paul George said boardwork had been the Sixers’ “Achilles Heel all season,” and that is a fact. They averaged 43.6 rebounds a game to 45.3 for their opponents. It’s also true that in this day and age cleaning up the defensive glass has become far more challenging than in the past, given the number of long rebounds that result from all the three-pointers that are hoisted.

Boston, which is as triple-happy as any club in the NBA, crashes the glass from the corners and wings with regularity, as evidenced by the fact that the Celtics reclaimed 29.2 percent of their regular-season misses, the league’s sixth-best rate.

The work of backup wings Scheierman and Walsh on the aforementioned possession typifies how they operate. (An even better example was the damage inflicted by starting guard Derrick White late in Game 3. He grabbed two offensive boards, leading to five critical points in a game the C’s won by eight.)

Vucevic and Sixers backup center Andre Drummond, who respectively have played 15 and 14 years and claimed over 10,000 rebounds each, discussed before the game how much their jobs have changed over the years.

The 35-year-old Vucevic, who began his career with the Sixers in 2011, acknowledged that all the long rebounds have led to bigs sharing board duties with their shorter accomplices. He also mentioned how much the pace of the game has increased since he broke in.

His own game has changed, too, in that he guns more from the perimeter than ever before.

“When I’m crashing,” he said, “I try to see where the ball might go. It’s not so much being physical but also trying to move a little more. There’s a little more movement involved now in rebounding than I think there was before. It’s definitely affected the rebounding, the way the game is being played now.”

Drummond, who for his career is averaging nearly 12 rebounds a game, at first disputed that his role is all that different than before.

“For me it doesn’t change,” he said. “I still try to go after all of them.”

And, he added, “The game’s still the game. People miss, so you’ve just gotta know where the ball’s going. If anything, there’s a lot more misses than normal.”

But he did admit that the ball comes off long more than ever, and that rebounding has become a group project.

The guards, he said, have “got to come in, too. They’ve got to come in from the free throw line or the top of the key. Once they shoot those shots, it comes off anywhere.”

Drummond was destined for a rough night, one that saw him go rebound-less while playing a little over five minutes. He was also repeatedly targeted by the Celtics defensively.

But none of the other Sixers really distinguished themselves, either. And now, as Maxey said, they have to wash this one and move on. It’s not a matter of them doing anything different tactically in Game 5; rather, Nurse pointed out, it’s a matter of playing with “better energy, toughness, guarding, rebounding.”

“It’s going to have to be a big mental pickup,” he added.

That would be nice. They are professionals, after all. But the time to make a stand was Sunday, at home, with a full complement of players available. Instead the Sixers rolled over. And that simply cannot happen.

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Jaden McDaniels lives rent-free in the Denver Nuggets’ heads, and that is a huge boon for the Minnesota Timberwolves — even now without Anthony Edwards.

This Timberwolves vs. Nuggets same-game parlay expects more McDaniels’ highlights in Game 5 on Monday, April 27.

For more NBA picks, read my full Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions.

Our best Timberwolves vs Nuggets SGP for Game 5

It was not enough to rattle off the Denver Nuggets’ roster and cite each player as a bad defender. It was not enough to double down on that when given a chance to walk it back by a reporter.

It was not enough to then score 20 points on just 13 shots in Game 3, proving the Nuggets are all bad defenders. And it was not enough to hold Jamal Murray to 5-for-14 shooting in the second half.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ wing Jaden McDaniels had to do just a little bit more, dropping in a layup with 1.3 seconds left and prompting Nikola Jokic to show effort for the first time in any of the second half of Game 4.

There is no reason for McDaniels to slow down now. With Anthony Edwards out for a couple of weeks, at least, he needs to emphasize his scoring. McDaniels averaged 4.9 more points per game with Ant sidelined this season and took 3.6 more shots per game.

Even with his 3-pointer looking rather ugly lately — 2-for-19 in his last six games — McDaniels should be able to live in the mid-range and in transition.

He doesn't need to shoot from beyond the arc to score. Against Denver’s shoddy defense, he can score at the rim.

And those transition opportunities should set up for a few assists, too, particularly with the likes of Bones Hyland and Ayo Dosunmu running along with McDaniels.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Intentional or not intentional?

That’s the discussion in NBA circles after Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was ejected in the third quarter of the Houston Rockets’ 115-96 victory in Game 4 at the Toyota Center on Sunday night. 

An accidental forearm to the head. A hard foul, yes. A flagrant one? Definitely. But an automatic ejection? That left many to reach a completely different conclusion than referee James Williams.

In Game 2 of the Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series, Williams called a technical foul on Devin Booker for trying to save a ball from going out of bounds that accidentally hit a Thunder player in the arm.

“In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name… but James [Williams] was terrible tonight, through and through,” said Booker after the game. “It’s bad for the integrity of the sport.”

The NBA rescinded the technical foul after the game, but the damage had already been done. 

Williams once again found himself at the center of a controversial call in Houston on Sunday. The replay appeared to show that the play was messy, but not malicious.

https://t.co/8NoglBpAOYpic.twitter.com/5Iu1wBTelI

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) April 27, 2026

Ayton first appears like he’s going to jump to block Alperen Sengun’s shot, then quickly tries to switch into a defending position. His forearm starts low on Sengun’s back and then rises up and catches him in the face. It looks more jarring in slow motion. But it didn’t look intentional in real time or upon review. 

“I was just trying to brace for contact,” Ayton said postgame. “It slipped… I know it looked crazy, but I’m not a dirty player. I just hope he’s alright.”

It was Ayton’s first ever ejection in his eighth season in the league. The disbelief lingered in his voice and in his teammates’ minds as well. 

“That’s some BS,” said Marcus Smart about the call. 

LeBron James didn’t hide his frustration either.

“I know what I saw,” he said. “His arm slipped… you have to be pretty good to do that on purpose.”

Even Sengun, the one who took the hit, shrugged at the ruling. “I didn’t expect him to be ejected. That was soft.”

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka reiterated that sentiment as well. 

Everyone tries to figure out why Devin Booker received a tech pic.twitter.com/YVtg5xe5j0

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 23, 2026

“I was surprised it was a flagrant 2,” admitted Udoka. “That’s the NBA nowadays. They call it a little softer than they used to.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick went further, describing Ayton as having “a kind soul” and insisting the play wasn’t dirty.

“It looked like he was trying to brace himself with his off-arm against Sengun’s body and his arm slipped and hit him in the head,” said Redick. “I don’t think a [flagrant] 2 was warranted.”

By the end of the night, Williams hadn’t just made one controversial call, but he made two more, ejecting both Lakers rookie Adou Thiero and Rockets guard Aaron Holiday with a little over a minute left in the game for being physical and talking trash to each other. Ironically, their contact looked more intentional than Ayton’s did. 

Adou Thiero and Aaron Holiday were ejected late in Sunday's game.pic.twitter.com/fqJPrlbli6

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 27, 2026

“I didn’t get a great explanation on Adou,” said Redick after the game when asked why he was ejected. “I’m sure James [Williams] will give you that.”

LeBron was equally confused and angry. 

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“I’m more pissed off about them kicking Adou out,” James said after the game. “I thought that was uncalled for and made no sense. That’s the first time he’s ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don’t think that was warranted. That was ridiculous.”

Game 5 of the series between the Rockets and Lakers is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN.

The postseason is an entirely different world from the regular season, and this year’s is proving no different. After one of his worst slumps out of the gate and a campaign of evolving roles, questionable quotes, and trade rumors, Karl-Anthony Towns has become the most valuable Knick in the playoffs.

Through four games against the Hawks, Towns is averaging 21 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.1 stocks in only 32.5 minutes a night, shooting 61 percent from two and 50 percent from three. His highlight 25-point outburst in Game 1 and historic triple-double in Game 4 were keys to securing those victories, while many of his key teammates languished.

Jalen Brunsonhas been out of sorts this series, shooting 29-for-78 since the first quarter of Game 1 and getting picked on defensively to a heightened degree. New York also got mixed games from Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart along the way, hence the even series.

This is a stark departure from what the regular season looked like, but a positive development for Towns that could spur the Knicks further in their championship hunt. Let’s break down how we got here and what it means for New York...

Head coach Mike Brown replaced Tom Thibodeau this summer in an effort to kickstart an offense that looked stuck in the mud during the playoffs and push more collaboration from the coaching staff. The change took some time for Towns to adjust to.

Add an early-season injury, and Towns was really struggling in the early weeks, especially from the field. He openly stated that members of the team were still figuring out their roles.

Towns started picking it back up on both ends leading into the Knicks’ NBA Cup Championship, but a 2-9 skid shortly after put the entire team on notice. Giannis Antetokounmpo trade possibilities were in the air, and Towns' name was floated in rumors. 

But he blocked out the noise and helped set things straight. This happened first on defense, where throughout the year he improved and bought into a more diverse Brown scheme. Offensively, stronger opponents started guarding him with more wings, and he again had to adjust.

Brown admitted to needing to tweak the offense to better incorporate Towns, while also putting him in new positions to challenge and grow his game. This tension may have nauseated Knicks fans through 82 games, but it appears to be paying dividends in their most important moments.

Brown unleashed Towns as a combination scoring-passing threat out of the pinch post against Atlanta, especially in the two Knicks victories. He’s rewarded his coach and team with some of his best play as a Knick.

These sets are giving him space to duck down, drive, or post on Atlanta’s mismatched defenders. His teammates have recognized his advantage and are seeking him out behind the arc and down low. 

The passing has been especially impressive, as at times he’s looked overwhelmed or succumbed to poor decision making. But against the Hawks, he’s making the simple read and finding OG Anunoby consistently on cuts. 

One play they’ve abused has Brunson setting a down screen on Anunoby to cut baseline, while Towns awaits in the high elbow. He can find Anunoby, wait for Brunson to come off for a two-man game, or take something for himself, and Atlanta hasn’t had great answers.

Towns' defense has translated as well. Where in prior playoffs Mitchell Robinson was the clear upgrade, Towns has held his own in this matchup. This has happened despite being switched around different guys and having to adjust to new schemes on the fly.

If not for Towns, the Knicks would be dead in the water in this series. Quite the turnaround for somebody who was in trade rumors a few months ago.

Towns being an effective creator gives Brunson a break, along with unlocking his off-ball game, where he’s effective. It also shifts how defenses guard Towns, from a spot-shooter to a dynamic threat.

New York’s number two option has been their number one with Brunson working through a down series. This should give them much more confidence and optionality as the series and postseason progresses.

I haven’t taken a breath since 12 minutes into Game 2 when Victor Wembanyama took a spill and had a concussion. I think I passed out myself, and I am not sure what happened since. But I woke up and saw the San Antonio Spurs were up 2 games to 1, and Game 4 started with the much anticipated return of Wembanyama because he had to sit out Game 3. Once the spry Portland Trail Blazers were up 19 in the first half in Game 4, I think I passed out again (hey, I am no where near conditioned for Spurs playoff basketball watching like the heydays of the 2000s and 2010s—you’ll have to excuse my being out of armchair point guarding shape).

Thankfully, the good guys came through behind De’Aaron Fox’s game-high 28 points to go with his 7 assists. Wembanyama, in his triumphant return, scored 27 points with 11 rebounds and 7 blocks.

You know all the talking heads who say the Spurs are too young and need “playoff scars” or to wait their turn? They might be right, but nothing is promised or guaranteed. Some players on this current team might not be on the roster next year. Unfortunately, injuries happen: some day-to-day, some seasoning ending, others career ending. Athletes know this so they play to win now.

Deep philosophical diatribes aside, I was just glad to see number one back on the court and doing moves like this in the (expletive)ing playoffs:

I too have no words for this other than *fox emoji *arrow emoji *alien emoji

*thumbs up emoji

A “B+” for Harrison Barnes’s spot-on pass to a streaking Wembanyama for the jam. An “A” for Wembanyama’s statement dunk, and an “A+” for Dylan Harper’s timely screen that allowed Wembanyama to get free for the easy slam.

Before I hear it in the comments, I’m changing Barnes’s arbitrary grade to an A.

Stephon Castle and Wembanyama played a little role reversal with the big man finding his fellow RotY for an open dunk.

Even in practice, this alley-oop could not look any easier and routine for these two. In a live playoff game, well, that’s just poetry in motion.

De’Aaron Fox was on a heater on Sunday afternoon, and the Spurs will definitely need it if they hope to advance deep in the playoffs. On a team of players as unique as Wembanyama, raw, hungry, and talented like Castle and Harper, Fox in this case is what you would call the Mariano Rivera of basketball games. Hopefully, the Spurs’ very own Sandman can continue to be the closer they need.

Is it me or were there a lot of Spurs fans in Portland? What do y’all know that I don’t. Do they have good tacos up in the Pacific Northwest? Do they have Whataburger? I have never been and would like to one day. If they don’t have Whataburger that’s OK. I guess. I can always ship it to myself. Oh, I’m crazy for saying such a thing? I’m not the one who’s depriving the great people of the Northwest from delicious, greasy burgers, pal.

Devin Vassell continues be as constant as the northern star in this series, scoring 11 points on 5 – 9 shooting.

Luke Kornet. Do the pose again. Trademark it, make more t-shirts out of it. This is your moment, make more plays like that and fire up your fans. I’m ready to stan for my man the crocodile from Argyle (Texas).

Harrison Barnes didn’t want to feel left out, so he joined the slamma jamma pajamma party. That sounded better in my head so I think I’ll leave it, and let the corniness marinate a bit.

Do y’all get the sense Wembanyama is getting angrier and angrier the more games he’s playing (and exponentially in the playoffs?). If that’s what it takes, I say we do all the things that might make him angry: bend the spine of a book, perform an unprovoked Dunst Opening move in chess, call a server “garçon,” or putting Nutella on plain white bread.

I only watched these back-to-back alley oops from Castle to Wembanyama twice. No more, no less. Once because we all deserve a sliver of pure joy and happiness in our lives, and a second time because if you watch it more than two times, it dilutes the sliver of pure joy and happiness that you would receive by allowing yourself to watch these beautiful back-to-back alley oops.

If you missed the game because you were too busy deciding between Whataburger ketchup or Spicy Whataburger ketchup, here are the full-game highlights:

Next up, the Spurs will head back to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.