The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden for Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Boston Celtics with a 2-1 lead and a deep sense of opportunity after dropping a heartbreaker in Game 3 that came down to a single point. The Knicks entered the series as underdogs against the defending champions but flipped the script with back-to-back wins at TD Garden, riding the hot hand of Jalen Brunson and their suffocating team defense. Brunson has been spectacular throughout the postseason, averaging over 30 points per game in this series, routinely carving up Boston’s defense with patient dribble penetration, creative finishes, and tough shot-making in the clutch. His leadership and composure have galvanized the team, while his chemistry with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges continues to open up scoring avenues for the Knicks’ offense. Towns has provided a versatile threat as both a floor spacer and physical post presence, and his ability to draw Boston’s bigs away from the rim has opened driving lanes and rebounding opportunities. Bridges and OG Anunoby have contributed crucial minutes on both ends, defending Boston’s perimeter scorers and hitting timely threes to keep the defense honest. Off the bench, Josh Hart’s motor has been relentless—he leads the team in hustle stats, has been one of the best rebounders at his position in the playoffs, and always seems to make the extra-effort play that turns the tide of a quarter.

Defensively, New York’s success has hinged on switching effectively, applying ball pressure, and boxing out against a physical Celtics team, and outside of a few breakdowns in Game 3, their execution has been sharp and consistent. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotations have remained tight, favoring veterans and players who can defend multiple positions, and his commitment to defensive intensity and possession-by-possession accountability has fit perfectly with the playoff atmosphere. However, Game 3 showed where the Knicks still need to improve—they struggled to close out the fourth quarter, turning the ball over and missing free throws in key moments, and their late-game execution lacked the polish needed to finish off an elite opponent. That loss stung, not only because of its closeness but because it allowed Boston to regain some psychological footing in the series. Still, the Knicks have an opportunity to strike right back, and with Madison Square Garden expected to be at full throttle, they’ll lean heavily on the energy of their fans to reassert control. If Brunson stays hot, Towns stays out of foul trouble, and the Knicks continue to win the battle of the boards and defend the arc, they have all the tools to push the Celtics to the brink. A win in Game 4 would not only give New York a commanding 3-1 series edge but also put them one step away from the franchise’s first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in over two decades—a moment that would validate their season and electrify an already surging fan base.