The New York Knicks have surged to within a single win of their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years, putting the defending champion Boston Celtics on the edge of elimination. With a commanding 121-113 victory in Game 4, the Knicks now hold a 3-1 series lead, a daunting deficit that only 13 teams in NBA history have ever overcome. This impressive feat was driven by a standout performance from Jalen Brunson, who delivered 39 points and 12 assists to push the Knicks to the brink of the next round.
Brunson’s Heroics Lead the Way
Brunson, who has been a consistent force for the Knicks throughout the series, was instrumental in New York’s comeback after trailing by double digits early. The Celtics, determined to defend their title, raced to a 62-51 halftime lead after opening the game with an aggressive offensive push. Yet, Brunson’s tenacity in the second half ignited a fierce Knicks rally that would ultimately flip the script on the game and the series.
"I don’t know," Brunson said when asked what sparked the turnaround. "Just find a way to make plays and get us going … I was just in the flow."
Celtics Face Steep Climb Without Tatum
Adding to the Celtics’ woes, All-Star forward Jayson Tatum suffered a potentially series-ending leg injury late in the game. Tatum, who had poured in 42 points – his highest tally of these playoffs – was carried off the court in the final minutes after collapsing while lunging for a loose ball. His exit cast a shadow over Boston’s hopes, as they now face the grim reality of potentially playing without their best player as they attempt to claw back from a 3-1 hole.
Knicks Rally Behind Strong Supporting Cast
While Brunson led the charge, the Knicks received critical contributions from Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, who each added 23 points, while OG Anunoby bounced back from two poor performances to chip in 20. This balanced attack proved too much for the Celtics, who saw their early momentum evaporate in a high-paced third quarter dominated by New York.
The Knicks, known for their gritty, never-say-die attitude, played their starters the entire third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 37-23 to seize control of the game. It was a remarkable turnaround, considering Boston had held at least a 20-point lead at various points throughout the series.
History Not on Boston’s Side
History is not on the Celtics’ side as they face the daunting task of overcoming a 3-1 deficit. The last team to pull off such a comeback was the Denver Nuggets, who achieved the feat twice in the 2020 playoffs. However, no team has managed to come back from 3-1 in a series requiring a road win since the Cleveland Cavaliers stunned the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.
Game 5: Do or Die for the Celtics
As the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5, the Celtics face a critical moment in their title defence. Without Tatum, the challenge becomes even steeper. Yet, as Brunson acknowledged, the job is far from over.
"We’ve got to focus, that’s a great team over there," Brunson said when asked what it will take to close out the series.
Knicks Eyeing a Long-Awaited Conference Finals Return
For the Knicks, a win on Wednesday would mark their first trip to the conference finals since 2000, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers. Their long-suffering fan base, known for its passionate support, has waited decades for a return to this stage, making each playoff victory that much sweeter.
With the Madison Square Garden crowd ready to explode, the Knicks have a golden opportunity to close the series and make a deep postseason run that few would have predicted at the start of the year. For Boston, the path forward is uncertain, with or without Tatum, as they look to extend their season against mounting odds.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
