The Philadelphia 76ers will enter Game 5 trailing 3-1 against the powerhouse Boston Celtics. It's unfortunately familiar territory for Philadelphia to find itself in, but a drastic change was made during their Game 4 loss that suggests the series hasn't been decided just yet.
With Quentin Grimes finally putting together a strong playoff game and Joel Embiid back in the rotation, the 76ers can realistically pull off a Game 5 upset and keep their season alive.
Grimes was nothing short of woeful through the first three games of a somewhat competitive Celtics vs. 76ers series. He tallied seven points, four rebounds, and two assists on 3-of-6 shooting during a blowout loss in Game 1, and proceeded to shoot 2-of-7 between Game 2 and Game 3.
Philadelphia won Game 2 111-97 and lost Game 3 by just eight points, with Grimes attempting just one shot in 15 minutes during the latter encounter.
Unfortunately, a 128-96 loss in Game 4 eradicated much of the optimism that had grown within the 76ers' fandom. It offered a clear reason for optimism, however, in the sense that Grimes finally stepped up and Embiid made his 2026 postseason debut.
With a healthy rotation and Grimes playing like himself again, the 76ers could realistically claim a second road win over the Celtics and turn this into a far more competitive series.
Quentin Grimes has righted the ship and the 76ers are finally healthy
Grimes finished Game 4 with 12 points, six assists, two rebounds, one block, and a steal. He shot 5-of-7 from the field, and although he continued to operate in a fairly low-volume capacity as a scorer, he was far more involved on offense and turned in an efficient scoring performance.
Grimes also provided a welcome reminder of how valuable he can be when given a chance to create for his teammates as a quality playmaker who has averaged 5.4 assists per 36 minutes since 2024.
When Game 5 rolls around, an efficient and effective Grimes could prove to be a difference maker. The Celtics blitzed the 76ers in Game 4, with sixth man Payton Pritchard playing a significant role in their early surge and the manner in which they pulled away.
If Grimes can match Pritchard's production and general quality of play, then the 76ers' full-strength starting lineup may have enough help to extend the series.
With Embiid, George, and Maxey, the 76ers are equipped with their three best players—a rarity. They should also get a better game out of VJ Edgecombe than the 2-of-9 performance he managed in Game 4. If the stars align, a fully healthy Philadelphia should at least be competitive.
With Grimes looking like himself, there may just be enough for the beginning of a miracle to take hold as the 76ers attempt to push their rival to the limit.