New York Knicks defeat Boston Celtics 121-113 in Game 4. Tatum suffers injury, Knicks lead 3-1 in the NBA playoffs, nearing first conference final in 25 years.
New York Knicks Push Celtics Toward Elimination as Tatum Goes Down Injured
In a thrilling Game 4, the Knicks beat the Celtics 121-113 to take a 3-1 series lead. Despite Jayson Tatum’s 42 points, he exited with a leg injury late in the game. Brunson led with 39 points and 12 assists, putting New York just one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
Knicks Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead
In a dramatic twist to the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, the New York Knicks defeated the defending champion Boston Celtics 121-113 in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks now lead the series 3-1, placing the Celtics on the brink of elimination and bringing New York closer to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
Tatum Injured Late in Fourth Quarter
Despite a masterful 42-point performance from Celtics star Jayson Tatum, disaster struck late in the fourth quarter. Tatum suffered a painful lower leg injury after colliding with teammate Jaylen Brown while chasing a loose ball.
OG Anunoby capitalized on the play, turning the turnover into a highlight-reel dunk that energized the Garden.
Tatum was later seen being taken to the locker room in a wheelchair, and will undergo an MRI on Tuesday. His status for Game 5 remains uncertain.
Knicks Performers
Jalen Brunson
Scored 39 points and dished out 12 assists. His 18-point third quarter turned the tide.
Mikal Bridges
Contributed 23 points, including two crucial threes in the fourth quarter.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Chipped in 23 points and 7 rebounds while providing both paint presence and floor spacing.
OG Anunoby
Scored 20 points and led the game with a +17 plus-minus rating. Delivered key energy and a momentum-shifting dunk.
The Knick’s Changing of the Tide: The Third Quarter
The Knicks were down by 14 at one point but dominated the third quarter 37-23. Stronger defense and a dynamic offense led by Brunson, Anunoby, and Towns flipped the game. After the score tied 102-102, the Knicks closed with an 11-0 run.
Postgame Reactions
Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla
“We don’t have an update yet. Jayson is being evaluated. We’ll know more after the MRI tomorrow.”
Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau
“You never want to see a guy like Tatum go down. We wish him the best. But I’m proud of our guys — they fought back and stayed composed.”
Jalen Brunson
“Prayers up for JT. I truly hope he’s OK. But we’re locked in — we’ve got a goal and we’re going to keep pushing.”
What’s Next?
The Knicks hold a 3-1 advantage. Historically, teams leading 3-1 win the series over 95% of the time.
Game 5
Wednesday in Boston – Celtics fight for their playoff lives.
Game 6 (If Needed)
Friday at Madison Square Garden – Knicks have a chance to close it out at home.
Reason to the Finals?
With just one more win needed, the Knicks are emerging as true playoff contenders. Their chemistry, depth, and defensive tenacity are peaking at the right time, with leadership from Brunson and a locked-in supporting cast.