The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue to deliver excitement, and this week, the New York Knicks have shown they are a force to be reckoned with. With a hard-fought 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 4, the Knicks now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Let's break down how the Knicks pulled off this crucial win and what it means for the rest of the series.

Jalen Brunson’s Heroics Propel the Knicks

Jalen Brunson was unstoppable in Game 4, scoring an impressive 39 points and dishing out 12 assists. His leadership and composure in the fourth quarter were critical as the Knicks erased a double-digit deficit and surged ahead. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns both contributed 23 points, while OG Anunoby rebounded strong after previous struggles, adding 20 important points to the tally.

Brunson’s performance was more than just a scoring outburst—it was a display of grit and poise under pressure. His control of the offense late in the game helped the Knicks outscore Boston 33-28 in the fourth quarter, securing the win in front of an electric Madison Square Garden crowd. For a detailed breakdown of the game and player stats, check out ESPN’s comprehensive recap.

Celtics Face Adversity as Tatum Injures Achilles

Despite the Celtics holding a double-digit lead at halftime, the Knicks rallied and left Boston stunned. Jayson Tatum poured in 42 points before suffering a devastating right Achilles injury with less than three minutes remaining. According to NBC Sports Boston, Tatum has undergone successful surgery, but he'll likely miss significant time, casting uncertainty on the Celtics’ immediate future.

The loss of Tatum looms large as Boston is suddenly on the brink of elimination. Other Celtics like Derrick White (23 points) and Jaylen Brown (20 points) contributed, but the team struggled to respond after their star went down.

Knicks One Win Away from Historic Conference Finals Berth

With the series shifting back to Boston, the New York Knicks need just one more victory to reach the conference finals—a feat they haven’t achieved in 25 years. The turnaround in Game 4 reflected the team’s resilience and belief. Brunson emphasized the squad’s determination, remarking, “We didn’t quit, kept fighting. That’s what’s most important.” For more on Brunson’s pivotal performance, visit the BBC Sport analysis.

The Celtics now face an uphill battle. No NBA team has overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series since 2020, and the absence of Tatum complicates their chances even further. Knicks fans, meanwhile, are beginning to dream of a long-awaited return to the conference finals.

What’s Next for the Series?

Game 5 promises to be high-stakes basketball at its best. The New York Knicks can clinch the series with a win in Boston, while the Celtics fight to save their season in front of their home crowd. Expect tactical adjustments and another showcase of playoff intensity.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Knicks continue their playoff run. With star power, depth, and emerging confidence, the New York Knicks look ready to make history this postseason.