Jalen Brunson graced an extraordinary 39 points while inspiring a monumental 121-113 Knicks comeback over the Boston Celtics in Game 4, leaving the defending champions on the brink of playoff extinction.
Behind 14 points in the early third quarter, New York staged a huge comeback. Brunson pulled down 18 points during a frantic third that were enough to turn the tide at Madison Square Garden. New York outscored Boston 37-23 throughout the third and took an 88-85 lead into the fourth.
The night went from bad to worse for Boston when Tatum, who exploded for 42 points, suffered a serious leg injury late in the fourth quarter. Tatum was assisted off the court and then wheeled away to the locker room, leaving his status in killing doubt for the remainder of the series.
Despite Boston’s charged-up start—leading 62-51 at halftime—the New York Knicks refused to throw in the towel. OG Anunoby’s late steal and dunk off Tatum pretty much secured the win for the Knicks, who now lead the series 3-1.
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday in Boston, where the Knicks will be gunning for their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 1999.