Jayson Tatum Is Torturing Philadelphia and the Sixers' Season Is Hanging by a Thread

The Celtics just sent a message that echoed through the entire Eastern Conference. In Game 4, Boston didn't just win on the Sixers' home floor, they absolutely demolished them, and Jayson Tatum made sure every Philadelphia fan felt it personally.

Tatum's Dominance is Becoming a Philadelphia Nightmare

Tatum dropped a dominant 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists with 5 three-pointers in the blowout victory. This isn't new territory for the Sixers fanbase. Since the day Tatum got drafted, he's been ruining their lives, whether he's playing at home or on the road. In Game 3, he hit back-to-back daggers that ripped the hearts out of Philly fans. In Game 4, it was just another masterclass. Each time Tatum gets an opportunity to destroy the Sixers, he capitalizes on it. And frankly, there's nothing the city can do about it.

The Celtics Are Playing Basketball at Another Level

Boston went 24 for 53 from three, setting a playoff three-pointer record. That's the second 20+ three-pointer game of this series for the Celtics. This is what happens when the Celts execute on both ends of the floor and don't beat themselves. The ball security was clean. The rebounding was great. The open shots fell. When all those pieces come together, the Celtics give their opponents a complete ass whooping.

Jaylen Brown put on another strong showing, and Payton Pritchard was the best point guard on the floor in a game that included Tyrese Maxey. Joel Embiid's return didn't change the outcome. If anything, it slowed the Sixers down and made them less athletic.

Now Comes the Closeout

The Celtics are now 3-1 in the series and the first team to win two games in a row. After dropping Game 2, they got both wins in Philadelphia and created a real opportunity for a short series and additional rest. That bare minimum requirement of a split heading back to Boston? Mission accomplished and then some.

But here's the thing: none of this matters if they can't close it out on their own floor. The closeout game is where champions prove it. If Boston brings even 80 percent of what we saw tonight, Game 5 should tell you everything you need to know about this series.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.