Knicks Take Commanding 3-1 Lead Over Celtics After Gritty Game 4 Win

 

Knicks Take Commanding 3-1 Lead Over Celtics After Gritty Game 4 Win

The New York Knicks were only one victory away from making their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years as the final buzzer sounded through Madison Square Garden on Monday night. But team captain Jalen Brunson was quick to alert other players that the work isn't done with the noisy crowd and mounting optimism.

After the Knicks upset the Boston Celtics 121-113 in Game 4, Brunson replied, "I was telling everyone to get off the court." "I believed there was nothing to celebrate."

After spearheading the charge with 39 points and 12 assists in Game 3, Brunson publicly chastised his team's lack of urgency and wasn't going to let them settle down. He acknowledged that the victory on Monday night was “a big game for us.”

Knicks Bounce Back with Grit and Focus

New York demonstrated the kind of tenacity that had been lacking in their prior performance after falling behind by 14 points in the third quarter. The Knicks went on a run that gave them an 88-85 lead going into the fourth quarter after Brunson scored 18 of his 39 points in the third.

According to Brunson, "it was all about how we responded." "We remained united and, above all, we never gave up."

With OG Anunoby scoring 20 points and Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges both contributing 23, New York had four players score 20 points or more.

Celtics' Hot Start Fizzles Out

With nine of fourteen three-pointers in the first quarter, including four from Derrick White and three from Jayson Tatum, Boston came out on top. New York was forced to play defense after the Celtics scored 39 points in the first frame.

Bridges said, "There was a lot of miscommunication." But we made modifications, and by the end of the fourth quarter, we were making them take harder shots.

Jayson had an outstanding performance, scoring 42 points, but Boston's rhythm slowed down in the closing minutes, especially when an injury and a costly turnover altered the course of the game.

Turning Point: Tatum Injury Shakes Celtics

The Knicks had a slim lead with just over three minutes left when Jaylen Brown botched a pass close to the arc. Tatum's leg broke down as he went for the loose ball, and he fell to the ground in pain. The home audience became excited when OG Anunoby stole the ball and slammed down a roaring dunk, extending New York's lead to nine.

Tatum's availability for Game 5 in Boston was under consideration because he needed help leaving the court and was unable to bear weight on his leg.

Knicks Keep Eyes on the Prize

Brunson remained focused on the bigger picture despite the exciting victory and huge series lead.

He remarked, "Tonight we played with urgency and desperation." However, we're not content. Our potential is still unrealized. This group is still developing and learning.

The Knicks are one step away from creating franchise history with Game 5 approaching, but they aren't celebrating just yet.