The New York Knicks are one step away from their first conference finals appearance in 25 years after defeating the Boston Celtics 121-113 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jalen Brunson led the charge with an impressive 39 points and 12 assists, propelling the Knicks to a 3-1 series lead.
“It was a sense of urgency, desperation, just knowing that we have a great opportunity,” Brunson said after the game. The Knicks seized control in the second half, becoming the first home team to win in this series.
The Celtics faced a significant setback when Jayson Tatum, who had scored a playoff-high 42 points, suffered a right leg injury late in the fourth quarter. Tatum was carried off the court with 2:58 remaining, casting doubt on his availability for the rest of the series.
“We have to turn that page quickly and do our first job, which is win on Wednesday,” Celtics veteran Al Horford stated. “As a group, we just have to rally together because obviously we’ve lost our leader, the guy that gets us going.”
Supporting Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each added 23 points for the Knicks, while OG Anunoby bounced back from two quiet performances to score 20 points. The Knicks can close out the series in Game 5 on Wednesday night in Boston. If necessary, Game 6 will return to Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves took a commanding 3-1 lead over the Golden State Warriors with a 117-110 victory. Anthony Edwards shined with 30 points, his second consecutive 30-point performance, while Julius Randle contributed 31 points.
The Timberwolves turned the tide with a decisive 17-0 run late in the third quarter, sparked by Edwards’ back-to-back three-pointers. “We delivered in the second half again,” Edwards noted, referencing their previous comeback in Game 3.
The Warriors, playing without Stephen Curry for the third straight game due to a strained left hamstring, struggled to keep pace. Jonathan Kuminga provided a bright spot off the bench with 23 points, converting 11 of 12 free throws.
The series shifts back to Minneapolis for Game 5 on Wednesday night, where the Timberwolves have a chance to clinch the series. The Warriors hope for Curry’s return should the series extend to a potential Game 6 back at the Chase Center on Sunday.
