Game 4 Recap: Knicks' Home Win Puts Them Ahead Of Celtics 3-1; Injury Concerns For Boston

Michael

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Post on May 15, 2025

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Game 4 Recap: Knicks Steal Home-Court Advantage, Leading Celtics 3-1; Injury Clouds Hang Over Boston

The New York Knicks have seized control of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Celtics, taking a commanding 3-1 lead after a thrilling 118-111 victory in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. The electrifying atmosphere, fueled by a roaring home crowd, proved to be a significant factor in the Knicks' decisive win, but shadows of injury loom large over the Celtics heading into Game 5.

This victory marks a significant turning point in the series, shifting the momentum firmly in New York's favor. The Knicks now hold a crucial 3-1 lead, putting them just one win away from advancing to the next round. Can Boston overcome this deficit and the injury concerns to force a Game 7? The next game will be pivotal.

Knicks Dominate the Paint, Stifle Tatum's Scoring

The Knicks' dominant performance was built on a strong inside game and a stifling defensive effort against Jayson Tatum. Julius Randle led the charge with a powerful 29-point, 11-rebound double-double, showcasing the impressive offensive and defensive abilities that have defined his season. RJ Barrett’s consistent scoring added another layer to the Knicks’ offensive arsenal, effectively preventing the Celtics from focusing solely on Randle. Their interior dominance limited Boston's second-chance opportunities and disrupted their usual offensive rhythm.

The Knicks' defense, particularly their ability to limit Tatum’s scoring opportunities, was a key element of their success. While Tatum still managed a respectable point total, he was far from his usual dominant self, consistently facing double-teams and tightly contested shots. This strategic defensive approach significantly contributed to the Celtics' struggles throughout the game.

Injury Concerns Plague the Celtics

The Celtics’ performance was further hampered by significant injury concerns. Jaylen Brown's ankle injury, suffered earlier in the series, continues to be a major issue, visibly impacting his movement and effectiveness on the court. His reduced mobility significantly affected the Celtics’ offensive flow and overall team performance. Additionally, reports suggest other Celtics players are nursing minor injuries, raising further concerns about their ability to mount a comeback in the remaining games.

What's Next for the Knicks and Celtics?

The Knicks will look to capitalize on their momentum and close out the series in Boston. However, complacency will be their biggest enemy. A focused and determined effort will be crucial to avoid any potential upsets. For the Celtics, the task ahead is daunting. They need to find a way to overcome the injury issues, rediscover their offensive rhythm, and win three consecutive games to avoid elimination. The pressure is undoubtedly on the Celtics to perform at an elite level, something that might be significantly hampered by their current injury situation.

The series now heads to Boston for Game 5, a game that holds immense significance for both teams. The Knicks will aim to secure their playoff advancement while the Celtics fight to stay alive, battling both their opponents and the mounting injury concerns. This pivotal matchup promises to be a must-watch for NBA fans everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the series unfolds.

Keywords: Knicks, Celtics, NBA Playoffs, Game 4 Recap, Eastern Conference, Julius Randle, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, NBA Injuries, Playoff Series, Madison Square Garden, Basketball, Sports News

Related Articles: (Links to hypothetical articles would go here, e.g., "Knicks' Defensive Strategy: How They Shut Down Tatum," "Jaylen Brown's Injury: A Detailed Analysis," "Predicting the Outcome of the Knicks-Celtics Series")