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Jayson Tatum is helped off court after his injury in the Celtics’ loss to the Knicks |
NBA playoffs: Knicks put champs Celtics on brink of elimination as Tatum collapses
- - New York 3-1 up in best-of-seven series after comeback
- - Boston star scores 42 but limps off after worrying injury
Jalen Brunson Powers Knicks Past Celtics, Pushes Champs to Brink of Elimination in Game 4
BOSTON — The New York Knicks are just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. Jalen Brunson scored 39 points and dished out 12 assists to lead New York to a stunning 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs Monday night.
The win gives the Knicks a commanding 3-1 series lead, leaving the defending champion Celtics needing a rare 3-1 comeback to stay alive. Making matters worse, All-Star Jayson Tatum exited late in the game with a leg injury, potentially jeopardizing Boston’s chances even further.
Knicks Storm Back After Early Deficit
Despite trailing by 11 points at halftime (62-51), the Knicks dominated the third quarter, outscoring Boston 37-23 behind aggressive defense and consistent ball movement. Brunson, in complete command of the floor, was the difference-maker.
“I was just in the flow,” Brunson said postgame. “We made plays when it counted.”
OG Anunoby, who had struggled earlier in the series, stepped up with 20 points, while Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each contributed 23 points.
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Jayson Tatum |
Tatum Injured, Celtics Face Historic Odds
Tatum was having his best game of the postseason with 42 points, but his night ended in heartbreak. While diving for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter, he collapsed clutching his leg. He was helped off the floor and later seen being taken to the locker room in a wheelchair, visibly emotional.
The Celtics now face long odds: only 13 teams in NBA history have ever come back from a 3-1 series deficit. No team has done so on the road since the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic 2016 NBA Finals run against Golden State.
Looking Ahead: Game 5 in Boston
The Knicks will have a chance to close out the series Wednesday night in Boston. If the Celtics manage to survive, Game 6 will shift back to Madison Square Garden on Friday.
Brunson kept it simple when asked what New York needs to do to finish the job: “We’ve got to focus — that’s a great team over there.”
Related:
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Knicks Dominate as Celtics Face Elimination — Tatum’s Collapse Headlines NBA Playoff Drama
Knicks One Win Away from Eliminating Celtics in NBA Playoffs After Tatum's Shocking Collapse
Celtics on the Ropes: Knicks Surge Ahead in NBA Playoffs as Tatum’s Game Unravels
Jalen Brunson Leads Knicks to 3-1 Series Lead Over Celtics as Tatum Injures Leg in Game 4
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