Knicks Take Control of Series, Lead 3-1 Against Celtics After Game 4 Victory

New York, NY – The New York Knicks are one win away from advancing to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years after their impressive 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This thrilling win gave the Knicks a 3-1 series lead, leaving them one step closer to their ultimate goal. Despite the celebrations, Knicks captain Jalen Brunson made sure his teammates stayed focused on the task ahead, reminding them that the job is far from finished.

Knicks' Big Win on the Road to Glory

The Knicks’ victory in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden was a statement game. After losing the previous game in a disappointing fashion, where they failed to bounce back from a strong Celtics effort, New York showed resilience and heart. Their defense and offensive execution, especially in the second half, were crucial in securing the win.

Jalen Brunson, the star point guard for the Knicks, led the way with an outstanding performance. He scored 39 points on 25 shots and dished out 12 assists. His playmaking and leadership were key to the team’s comeback. As he mentioned after the game, this win was significant, but there was no time to celebrate just yet.

“We’re not done yet,” said Brunson. “We have one more game to win. We can’t be satisfied.”

Celtics' Early Success and Knicks' Resilience

The game didn’t start well for the Knicks, as they found themselves falling behind early. The Celtics came out hot, shooting the ball extremely well from beyond the arc. In the first quarter, Boston made 9 of 14 three-pointers, with Derrick White and Jayson Tatum leading the charge. White hit all four of his three-point attempts in the opening period, and Tatum knocked down three of his own, contributing to the Celtics’ 39-point first quarter.

However, despite the Celtics’ strong start, the Knicks kept their composure and didn’t panic. New York quickly adjusted to the Celtics’ hot shooting and began tightening up defensively. They made key plays, especially in the second half, which allowed them to chip away at the lead and fight back into the game.

The Knicks' Strong Second Half Performance

After trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, the Knicks turned up the intensity. With Brunson leading the charge, the team started making plays on both ends of the floor. Brunson scored 18 points in the third period alone, helping the Knicks outscore the Celtics and take an 88-85 lead going into the final quarter.

“The way we responded was incredible,” said Brunson. “We stuck together, kept fighting, and never quit. That’s the mentality we need to have every game.”

The Knicks' defense improved significantly in the second half, with key players stepping up. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby all contributed on both ends, each finishing the game with 20 or more points. Towns added 23 points, Bridges also scored 23, and Anunoby chipped in with 20 points, making sure the Knicks had balanced offensive output.

Celtics' Struggles and Tatum's Injury

Despite the Celtics' early success, they could not sustain it throughout the game. Boston’s offense cooled off in the second half, and they started to struggle, especially as New York tightened up defensively. The Celtics also ran into some trouble with star player Jaylen Brown, who was forced into several offensive mistakes

The pivotal moment came with just over three minutes left in the game. Brown mishandled a pass from Tatum, leading to a loose ball situation. As Tatum tried to go after the ball, he suddenly collapsed to the floor, clutching his leg. It appeared that Tatum had injured his right leg and had to be helped off the court. This moment seemed to shift the momentum fully in favor of the Knicks, who capitalized on Tatum’s absence and extended their lead.

Brunson, who was already playing a key role in the game, scored crucial points in the fourth quarter. His combined 18 points alongside Bridges during a dominant run helped the Knicks close out the game strong.

“We didn’t want to take our foot off the gas,” Brunson said. “It was about staying focused and finishing the job. Tatum’s injury was unfortunate, but we knew we had to keep playing our game.”

Looking Ahead: The Knicks' Focus

Even with a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Knicks aren’t taking anything for granted. As they head into Game 5 in Boston, Brunson and his teammates are staying grounded, focusing on the task at hand rather than celebrating prematurely.

“This is just one step,” said Brunson. “We still have a lot of work to do. We know how good Boston is, and we need to keep our heads in the game.”

The Knicks have already shown they can handle adversity. From their dramatic comebacks in Games 1 and 2 to the way they fought back in Game 4, they’ve demonstrated resilience and toughness. They’re a team that refuses to quit, no matter the circumstances.

The road to the Eastern Conference Finals isn’t easy, but with their new-found confidence and determination, the Knicks are in a great position to finish what they started.

One Game Away from History

As the series heads to Boston for Game 5, the Knicks know they’re on the brink of making history. Their 3-1 series lead against the defending champions is a huge step forward. But the Knicks also know that the series isn’t over yet. There’s one more win to get, and they’ll need to stay focused, disciplined, and ready for whatever the Celtics throw at them.

Jalen Brunson’s leadership will continue to be vital, but the entire team has stepped up when it mattered most. If the Knicks can continue their strong play, they will finally break through to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in more than two decades. But until then, they will keep their eyes on the next game, knowing that in the playoffs, anything can happen.

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This information is sourced from ESPN