The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 3–1 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after a 121–113 victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025. This win puts the Knicks just one game away from reaching their first conference finals in 25 years.

Game 4 Highlights

• Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 39 points and 12 assists, including 18 points in the third quarter that fueled New York’s comeback from a 14-point deficit.

• Mikal Bridges delivered his best performance as a Knick, contributing 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals, with 10 points in the fourth quarter.

• Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby added 23 and 20 points respectively, bolstering the Knicks’ offense.

• The Knicks dominated in the paint, outscoring the Celtics 64–32, and won the rebounding battle 43–31.

Celtics’ Setback

Despite Jayson Tatum scoring a game-high 42 points, his performance was overshadowed by a non-contact right leg injury late in the fourth quarter. Tatum had to be helped off the court, and while an MRI is pending, there are concerns he may miss the remainder of the playoffs and potentially the next season.

Jrue Holiday struggled offensively, scoring only 4 points, and was unable to contain Brunson defensively.

Looking Ahead

Game 5 is scheduled for May 14, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics face the daunting task of overcoming a 3–1 deficit, a feat achieved only 13 times in NBA history. With Tatum’s status uncertain, the Celtics’ path to defending their title has become significantly more challenging.