Knicks Secure 3-1 Series Lead Against Celtics: Brunson Stresses Caution
When the final buzzer echoed through Madison Square Garden on Monday night, the New York Knicks celebrated their commanding 3-1 lead over the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Despite the 121-113 victory that put them just one win away from their first conference finals in 25 years, captain Jalen Brunson urged his ecstatic teammates to hold back on the celebrations. Brunson, the standout guard, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as Game 5 approached in Boston on Wednesday night. “I was basically telling everyone to clear the court. I didn’t want us celebrating yet,” Brunson noted, after contributing a stellar 39 points and 12 assists. Acknowledging the significance of the win, he added, “It was a big game for us,” especially after a disappointing Game 3 loss when the team seemed complacent with their earlier 2-0 advantage.
The Knicks, who did not respond well in Game 3 after rallying from 20-point comebacks in the first two games, displayed much more determination in Game 4. Falling behind by double digits for the seventh time this season against Boston, the Celtics initially dominated with their three-point shooting. However, the Knicks ramped up their defense, erasing a 14-point third-quarter deficit. With Brunson leading the charge, scoring 18 points in the third quarter alone, New York took an 88-85 lead heading into the final period, igniting their home crowd. “What makes me most proud is our response — sticking together and never giving up,” Brunson commented. He was one of the four Knicks to score at least 20 points, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges with 23 points each, and OG Anunoby with 20.
Though New York initially granted Boston’s Derrick White too much freedom on the perimeter, allowing him to make all four first-period attempts from three-point range, the Knicks tightened their defense as the game progressed. Bridges admitted to early defensive miscommunications but praised the team’s improved performance later. Despite their struggles containing Jayson Tatum — who scored a game-high 42 points — they forced Finals MVP Jaylen Brown into several errors. A critical moment occurred when Brown mishandled a pass from Tatum, who then appeared to injure his leg and fell in pain while Anunoby capitalized with a dunk to secure a nine-point lead.
Even before Tatum’s injury, Brunson and Bridges had dominated the fourth quarter, together scoring 18 points, and seemingly placing the game out of reach. Yet, Tatum’s exit shifted the series’s momentum noticeably as he left the court unable to bear weight on his leg. Brunson, offering well-wishes to Tatum in his postgame remarks, insisted the victory was merely a step towards their ultimate objective. With one more win needed to end the series, he urged his teammates to remain grounded, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and learning. “Tonight was about urgency and desperation, knowing we had a great opportunity against a strong team,” Brunson said. “I don’t even think we’re at our peak yet. Our team is still gelling, and there’s room to grow. We’re never satisfied, and that keeps us striving.”