Jayson Tatum is helped off court after his injury in the Celtics’ loss to the Knicks. Photograph: Frank Franklin II/AP
The New York Knicks are one win away from history. With a 121-113 Game 4 victory over the Boston Celtics, they now lead the best-of-seven NBA playoff series 3-1. The Knicks are eyeing their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.
But the big story isn't just New York's rise—it's Boston’s potential fall. And worse, their star Jayson Tatum left the game with a painful leg injury.
Knicks Rally After Early Deficit
The Celtics came out blazing. They built a double-digit lead within five minutes and were up 62-51 at halftime. For the fourth straight game, Boston led by at least 10 early.
But the Knicks didn’t fold. They threw everything at the Celtics in a furious third-quarter comeback, outscoring them 37-23. New York’s starters stayed on the floor the entire quarter, feeding off each other’s energy.
Jalen Brunson was the engine of that charge. He finished the night with 39 points and 12 assists, steering the Knicks through a wild second half.
Brunson’s Brilliance and Balanced Attack
Brunson’s leadership showed again in the clutch. “Just found a way to make plays and get us going,” he said postgame.
He wasn’t alone. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 23, while OG Anunoby bounced back strong with 20 points. Anunoby also buried a crucial three-pointer after Tatum tied the game at 102-all. That shot sparked an 11-0 Knicks run, sealing Boston’s fate on the night.
Tatum’s Heroics End in Heartbreak
Tatum gave his all. He scored 42 points—his best of this postseason—and kept Boston in the fight. But late in the fourth quarter, disaster struck. After a Celtics turnover, Tatum lunged for a loose ball and collapsed. His leg gave out.
The scene was emotional. Tatum clutched his leg in pain, received immediate attention, and was wheeled off the court with his face buried in his hands.
Boston may now face elimination without their best player. “He’s everything for them,” said one Knicks player. “No one wants to see that.”
New York Crowd Feels the Moment
Madison Square Garden hasn’t seen a conference finals since 2000. The fans knew what was at stake—and they brought the energy. When the Knicks surged in the third and fourth quarters, the building shook.
Brunson praised his teammates for their fight. “They didn’t quit. That’s what matters when we’re in a hole—we keep going.”
History Isn’t on Boston’s Side
Only 13 teams in NBA history have come back from a 3-1 deficit. The last time it happened was in 2020, when Denver pulled it off twice. But winning a Game 7 on the road? That hasn’t been done since Cleveland shocked Golden State in the 2016 Finals.
Boston’s road is steep. And if Tatum can’t return, it gets even steeper.
Next Stop: Boston for Game 5
Game 5 tips off Wednesday night in Boston. The Celtics must win to stay alive. The Knicks, meanwhile, have a golden chance to close the series on the road.
Brunson kept his message simple: “We’ve got to focus. That’s a great team over there.”
With momentum on their side and history within reach, the Knicks are now just one step from a place they haven’t been in a generation.
