Knicks Surge to 3-1 Lead Over, Tatum Injured
Knicks Surge to 3-1 Lead Over Celtics in Game 4 Thriller, Tatum Injured
In a pivotal Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, the New York Knicks outlasted the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, securing a commanding 3-1 series lead with a hard-fought victory. The game, marked by intense momentum swings and a devastating injury to Boston’s star player, showcased the Knicks’ resilience and depth, led by Jalen Brunson’s electrifying performance.
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The Celtics entered Game 4 with momentum after a 115-93 rout in Game 3, where Payton Pritchard’s playoff career-high 23 points off the bench and a 20-for-40 team effort from three-point range overwhelmed the Knicks. Boston aimed to tie the series at 2-2, leaning on their road prowess (33-8 regular-season road record) and the scoring of Jayson Tatum, who had 20 points in the first half alone. However, the absence of sharpshooter Sam Hauser, sidelined with a right ankle sprain, limited their perimeter options.
The game started with Boston asserting control, building an 11-point halftime lead behind Tatum’s scoring and efficient three-point shooting (over 40% from deep). The Knicks, however, roared back in the third quarter, fueled by Brunson’s relentless playmaking. The All-Star guard erupted for 39 points, including clutch shots in the fourth quarter, while OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns each added over 20 points, showcasing New York’s balanced attack. A controversial foul call on Josh Hart, upheld after a failed challenge, briefly disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm, but their defensive adjustments—stunting lanes to limit Tatum and Jaylen Brown—proved decisive.
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The game’s turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Tatum, who finished with a sensational 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting, suffered a serious ankle injury after chasing a loose ball. Writhing in pain and unable to continue, he was carried off the court in a wheelchair, leaving Celtics fans and players stunned. Television cameras captured Tatum in tears, and his immobilized ankle raised immediate concerns about his availability for Game 5. Without their star, Boston faltered, and the Knicks capitalized, closing the game with precise execution at the free-throw line and inbound plays.
The Knicks’ victory marked a historic moment, as they became the first team to overcome 20-point deficits in consecutive playoff games against the defending champions at TD Garden (Games 1 and 2). Brunson’s heroics, including 51 minutes of play in Game 1, underscored his status as a playoff superstar, while the supporting cast’s contributions highlighted New York’s depth. For Boston, the loss was a gut punch, not only for the series deficit but also for the uncertainty surrounding Tatum’s injury. The Celtics, historically 4-0 after playoff losses since last season, face an uphill battle, with a 1-3 record in series where they drop the first two home games.
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As the series shifts back to TD Garden for Game 5, the Knicks are poised to close out their rivals, while Boston must rally without their cornerstone player. The game, broadcast on NBC Sports Boston, underscored the intensity of this renewed rivalry, with New York’s defensive adjustments and offensive firepower proving too much for a depleted Celtics squad. For Knicks fans, the dream of reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 feels tantalizingly close, but Boston’s resilience on their home floor promises a fierce response.
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