HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on January 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)© Alex Slitz, Getty Images

Coming out of the All-Star game, the Boston Celtics were back to their dominant victories as they dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. With most of the league returning to action a week after the break began, Boston came out of the gate on fire early in the game, and maintaining their lead throughout for their fourth consecutive win.

Not only did the Celtics continue their winning streak, but they returned with a healthy lineup including point guard Jrue Holiday who returned after missing four games. The story for Boston was much of the same in a lot of their wins this season, a balanced effort from the starters including a triple-double from Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard continuing his campaign for Sixth Man Of the Year, and success shooting from deep.

Here’s a quick recap of the Boston Celtics’ victory over the Philadelphia 76ers as they start the final stretch of the season, looking to grab the top seed from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Final score: Boston Celtics 124 Philadelphia 76ers 104

Keys to the game:

Payton Pritchard has another great performance: Leading the way for the Celtics was the odds-on favorite for Sixth Man Of the Year, Payton Pritchard who dropped a game-high 28 points in the blowout victory. Shooting over 50% from the field and from deep, Pritchard’s outburst was fueled by their eight three-pointers. It was also his 17th game where he scored at least 20 points in a game for the Celtics this year. It can never be emphasized enough, with as strong of a starting five as Boston has, Pritchard’s big games off the bench show just how deep Boston is and how talented Pritchard is.

Highlight of the game: Defense leads to the fast break, Jayson Tatum throws the Alley-Oop to Jaylen Brown

Can’t stop fire & ice 🔥❄️ pic.twitter.com/CYxA19BENg

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 21, 2025

After beating down the Knicks by 27 points at Madison Square Garden earlier this month, the Knicks will come to TD Garden looking for revenge. Boston will look to extend their winning streak to five games overall, and what would be a third straight win over New York this season. Although Boston has had their number this season, the Knicks are only three games behind the Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings as the teams are respectively the second and third seed.

Former Celtics preseason star joining the Philadelphia 76ers on two-year deal https://t.co/wWp4lBxSWB pic.twitter.com/LgAjqkKogH

— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 20, 2025