The New York Knicks secured a 121-113 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, coming back from a double-digit deficit to take the lead in the series. Jalen Brunson recorded 39 points and 12 assists in the game, according to a report by ABC7NY. With this result, the Celtics—last season’s champions—are one loss away from elimination, while the Knicks are one win from their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
The Celtics, who led by at least 20 points in each of the first three games, showed signs of difficulty late in Game 4. During the game, Jayson Tatum sustained a right leg injury and was assisted off the court. According to a USA Today interview, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said, "He’s the type of guy that gets right up. So, he didn’t, and we’ll know tomorrow exactly what it is. It’s tough watching a guy like him get carried off like that." Tatum, who scored 42 points before his injury, adds uncertainty to Boston’s lineup as the team prepares for Game 5 without its All-Star.
Additional contributions in the Knicks' Game 4 win came from Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, who each scored 23 points, and OG Anunoby, who added 20 points after two lower-scoring performances. The Knicks overcame a 62-51 halftime deficit with a strong third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 37-23 and setting up a closely contested finish, reported ABC7NY.
The Celtics are facing a 3-1 series deficit, a comeback last achieved by the Denver Nuggets in 2020. The injury to key player Jayson Tatum makes the challenge even more difficult for the Celtics. Despite this, coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence, stating, "They'll be ready," in a statement to USA Today. "I mean, that's just who they are. It's been that way. It's the locker room that they have, and they'll be ready." With the Knicks one win away from advancing, Game 5 will be an important matchup for Boston and a key opportunity for New York.
