The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Boston Celtics, following a 121-113 victory in Game 4. While the win represents a significant step toward the Knicks’ first trip to the conference finals since 2000, the game was overshadowed by Jason Tatum’s unfortunate injury, which raises serious questions about the Celtics’ future in these playoffs.
Tatum, who had been on fire throughout the contest, scoring 42 points and tying Larry Bird and John Havlicek for the most 40-point games in Celtics playoff history, went down in agony due to what appeared to be a non-contact injury. The star forward was unable to put weight on his leg as he exited the court, leaving fans and analysts alike concerned. The severity of Tatum’s condition remains unknown, but his reaction suggests it could be significant, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs.
In the aftermath of Tatum’s injury, the narrative shifted from a celebration of his performance to a grim assessment of the Celtics’ chances. The team, already facing a 3-1 series deficit, will now need to rally without one of their most critical players. Jaylen Brown, who has struggled with his efficiency throughout the series, will need to elevate his game, as many eyes will now be on him to take the lead in Tatum’s absence. Brown’s lack of production alongside Tatum has been a worrying trend, and he must respond to the pressure of this moment.
The Knicks showcased remarkable resilience, once again clawing their way back from a double-digit deficit. Trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, they launched a stunning 37-point quarter, propelled by a stellar performance from Jaylen Brunson, who scored 39 points and contributed significantly in the critical moments. Brunson’s ability to step up during clutch situations has been a defining feature of his play this postseason, and his performance in Game 4 was no exception.
Supporting players like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns also delivered when it mattered most, with Bridges scoring 23 points and providing essential contributions on both ends of the floor. The Knicks’ depth and their ability to execute as a cohesive unit were evident, a stark contrast to the Celtics, who struggled to maintain offensive flow after Tatum’s exit.
The Celtics’ reliance on jump shooting became apparent as the game progressed. Despite a strong start, where they led 39-28 after the first quarter, the team fell into a pattern of contested three-point attempts, failing to capitalize on opportunities at the rim. The disparity in points in the paint — 64 for the Knicks compared to just 32 for the Celtics — exemplifies this issue. Boston’s gameplay often felt stagnant, lacking the necessary ball movement and creativity as they leaned heavily on individual skills rather than working as a unit.
As the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5, the Celtics face an uphill battle. Historically, only 13 teams in NBA history have come back from a 3-1 deficit, and doing so without their star player complicates matters further. While the Celtics have depth and talent, the loss of Tatum’s scoring and playmaking ability will be profoundly felt. Drew Holiday, who has been underwhelming offensively this season, will need to step up significantly if Boston is to keep their playoff hopes alive.
In conclusion, the Knicks’ victory in Game 4 marks a pivotal moment in the series, one filled with both celebration and sorrow. While New York fans revel in the prospect of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, the fate of the Celtics now hangs in the balance. The coming days will reveal whether they can muster the strength and resolve to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, but without Tatum, the path appears increasingly treacherous.