Eastern Conference Semis
The New York Knicks are one win away from their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. In front of a roaring Madison Square Garden crowd, they pulled off yet another comeback win Monday night, defeating the Boston Celtics 121-113 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals — and taking a 3–1 series lead.
Tatum injury
But the night wasn’t without heartbreak. With just under three minutes left, Celtics star Jayson Tatum collapsed after a non-contact play, clutching his right leg. On Tuesday, the team confirmed that Tatum had suffered a torn Achilles tendon and underwent successful surgery. There’s no timetable for his return.
KAT: Praying for Tatum
“Man, I’m praying for him,” said Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns. “You never want to see that. I went over to him, prayed for him and his family. We’re competitors, but it’s a brotherhood. The NBA needs a talent like him.”
Towns, who brought leadership and energy in Game 4, also praised the Knicks’ resilience and their fans:
“These fans have been incredible all year. The energy here — it’s magical. You feel it in your soul.”
Comebacks, Clutch Performances, and Garden Magic
Game 4 followed a familiar script for the Knicks, who have now erased large deficits in three of the four games this series. Down by 11 at halftime, they leaned once again on the poise and brilliance of Jalen Brunson, recently named the NBA Clutch Player of the Year. Brunson erupted for 39 points — his highest output of this series — leading the comeback and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite late-game performers.
“We don’t expect anything less from Jalen,” said Towns. “In the fourth quarter, he’s just… special. He delivers when it matters.”
OG
OG Anunoby highlighted the team’s mindset after their Game 3 loss:
“We didn’t fold. We stayed aggressive, played through adversity. Even when the whistles didn’t go our way, we fought.”
The Knicks’ ability to respond has defined this playoff series in a run few expected to see them make against the reigning champions.
Hart
Josh Hart, a vocal emotional leader, emphasized the team’s grounded mentality despite the 3-1 lead:
“No statement win. We know we’re good. But being up 3–1 doesn’t mean anything. We need to approach Game 5 with urgency and stop giving up early leads. Just build. Keep getting better.”
The African Connection
Precious Achiuwa, originally from Nigeria, was key to the Knicks’ defensive presence and second-half surge:“We keep trusting each other, playing hard, playing physical. That consistency helped us tonight. We wanted to start like we usually finish. And the energy in the Garden? Magical.”
When asked about the growing influence of African players in the NBA and the impact of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Achiuwa didn’t hesitate:
“I love all my fans in Africa. We’re going to win this title and bring the trophy back to the continent!”
Dadiet
For French rookie Pacôme Dadiet, being part of a team on the verge of a historic playoff run is surreal.
“We didn’t beat the Celtics in the regular season, and a lot of people doubted us. But now, here we are,” he said. “We still have one more to win. But we’ve shown what we’re capable of.”
Dadiet also spoke highly of Brunson’s mentorship:
“He’s a true leader, on and off the court. Always advising, always lifting us up.”
The 19-year-old also reflected on his journey from France to the NBA, underlining the personal sacrifices that helped him get here:
“I left home at 16. Missed time with family, missed parties: I was in the gym. But it was worth it. My advice to kids? It’s not as far away as it seems. Work hard, stay humble, and you can make it.”
On the NBA’s growing global footprint, Dadiet added:
“The expansion into Europe, and especially the work they’re doing with BAL in Africa — that’s huge. It’s not just about the game, it’s about building opportunities and infrastructure.”
Game 5
Game 5 is tonight in Boston, where the Knicks have already won twice in this series, including erasing a 20-point deficit in Game 1.
But with Tatum out and momentum on their side, will this be the night New York punches its ticket to the Conference Finals?
One thing’s for sure: The global Knicks fanbase — from the Bronx to Lagos to Paris — will be watching.
[…] again, Jalen Brunson took center stage. The Knicks’ star guard poured in 32 points and 5 assists, including 16 points in a third quarter surge that buried […]