Knicks Stun Celtics in Game 4, Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead
NEW YORK The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, suffered a painful defeat at Madison Square Garden, putting their title defense in serious jeopardy. The New York Knicks emerged victorious with a 121-113 win on Monday night, seizing a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Celtics now face immense pressure as they return to Boston for Game 5, needing a win to avoid elimination and an early start to their summer break.
The game witnessed a significant momentum shift. Initially, the Celtics appeared poised to dominate, mirroring their performance in Game 3, establishing a 14-point lead. However, the Knicks displayed resilience, mounting a comeback fueled by timely and accurate 3-point shooting. Despite the Celtics connecting on 18 three-pointers throughout the game, they failed to maintain consistency and ultimately succumbed to the energy of the roaring Garden crowd.
Adding to the Celtics’ woes is the concern surrounding Jayson Tatum’s health. The star forward sustained a non-contact lower leg injury during the game and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage. His potential absence in future games would undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for Boston.
Conversely, the Knicks are riding high, propelled by stellar performances from their key players. Jalen Brunson, the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, spearheaded the Knicks’ attack, particularly in the second half. He erupted for 18 points in the third quarter alone, finishing the game with an impressive 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. Brunson’s ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates proved instrumental in the Knicks’ victory.
Brunson wasn’t the only Knick to shine. Three other players reached the 20-point mark, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack. Mikal Bridges delivered a crucial fourth-quarter performance, scoring 12 of his 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby bounced back from quiet previous games, adding 20 points.
The Celtics will have to regroup quickly before Wednesday’s Game 5 at TD Garden. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT. Boston faces an uphill battle, needing to win three consecutive games to keep their championship hopes alive.
Winners and Losers from Game 4
Winner: Jalen Brunson
Brunson’s dominant performance solidified his status as a clutch performer and the engine of the Knicks’ offense. His scoring, playmaking, and overall leadership were instrumental in securing the Game 4 victory. His ability to consistently create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
Winner: The Knicks’ Supporting Cast
While Brunson grabbed the headlines, the Knicks’ other key players stepped up and delivered crucial contributions. Bridges, Towns, and Anunoby each provided a scoring punch, while the team collectively excelled on the boards and in the paint. The Knicks’ depth and balance are proving to be a major advantage in this series.
Loser: Celtics’ Supporting Cast (Specifically Horford and Holiday)
While Tatum poured in points and Brown and White each did their part, the Celtics’ other starters struggled to make an impact. Jrue Holiday and Al Horford, typically reliable contributors, combined for a meager nine points on just seven shots. Their inability to provide consistent scoring and rebounding hurt the Celtics’ chances of securing a win.
Loser: Celtics’ Defense
After containing the Knicks’ offense in Game 3, the Celtics’ defense faltered in the second half of Game 4. They allowed Brunson to penetrate and create open looks for his teammates, and they struggled to contain the Knicks’ inside game. The Celtics’ inability to control the paint and limit the Knicks’ offensive efficiency proved costly. They allowed New York to shoot 54.3% from the field and were out-rebounded 43-31. The Knicks also dominated inside, scoring 64 points in the paint.
The Road Ahead
The Knicks are now just one win away from their first conference finals appearance in 25 years. They have demonstrated the ability to compete with and defeat the defending champions, and they have the momentum heading into Game 5.
For the Celtics, the situation is dire. They must win Game 5 to avoid elimination, and they will need to do so without knowing the full extent of Tatum’s injury. If Tatum misses significant time, the Celtics will need other players to step up and fill the void. They will also need to improve their defense and find ways to contain Brunson and the Knicks’ other offensive threats. The Celtics must rediscover the defensive intensity and focus that propelled them to a championship last season if they hope to extend the series and keep their title hopes alive. A more balanced scoring attack that utilizes Holiday and Horford will also be key.
The series now shifts back to Boston, where the Celtics will look to defend their home court and avoid an early exit from the playoffs. The pressure is on, and the Celtics will need to deliver their best performance of the series to keep their championship aspirations alive. The Knicks, on the other hand, will be looking to close out the series and advance to the conference finals, marking a significant step forward for the franchise. The next game promises to be a tense and exciting affair, with the future of both teams hanging in the balance.
