Celtics’ Title Defense on the Brink After Loss to Knicks
NEW YORK – The Boston Celtics are facing a critical situation in the NBA playoffs after a disappointing 121-113 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The defeat puts the Celtics’ bid for back-to-back titles in jeopardy, as they blew a 14-point lead in the second half, marking their third consecutive loss to the Knicks after leading at halftime.
Jayson Tatum shone with 42 points, but his standout performance was overshadowed by a non-contact leg injury he sustained late in the game that necessitated a wheelchair to leave the court. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla remarked on the team’s concerns regarding Tatum’s health and the adjustments needed for their next game.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points, helping New York rally from behind and take a commanding series lead. The Celtics must now win the next three games to avoid elimination, a challenge compounded by Tatum’s uncertain status. The next game is scheduled for Wednesday at TD Garden, where the Celtics aim to recover both tactically and emotionally in their fight to stay alive in the postseason.
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