Knicks on the brink of first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years after comeback win over Celtics at raucous MSG

By JAKE FENNER

In Game 1 of the second-round NBA playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, the Celtics led by 20 points only to allow the Knicks to come back before losing in overtime. 

In Game 2 of the series, the Celtics led by 20 points only to allow the Knicks to come back before losing in overtime.

After building a strong lead in Game 3 and holding on to win, the Celtics looked to even the series on Monday night in a pivotal fourth game.

But, and stop me if you’ve heard this one before, the Celtics led (only by 13 this time) only to allow the Knicks to come back and win 121-113.

The victory gives New York a crucial 3-1 lead in the series and pushes the defending NBA champions to the brink of elimination. It also puts the Knicks on the brink of making their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since the 1999-2000 season.

Boston will now face a do-or-die return trip to TD Garden and will likely need to win without superstar Jayson Tatum – who appeared to suffer a serious leg injury in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Brunson (11) dropped 39 points to lead the Knicks to a Game 4 win over the Celtics

Karl-Anthony Towns dropped a double-double to help New York push Boston to the brink

The Celtics will likely be without leader Jayson Tatum, who suffered a gruesome leg injury

After dropping 42 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals, Tatum was seen writhing on the court at Madison Square Garden.

Later, he was seen being pushed down the back corridors of the Garden as he was seen crying in pain.

If Tatum’s reaction is any indicator of the severity of the injury, the Celtics’ chances of repeating as NBA champions have essentially evaporated in one moment.

His fellow Celtics teammates didn’t come close to matching his production. Derrick White dropped 23 points while Jaylen Brown finished with 20 points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, it was a monstrous night for the Knicks in front of a celebrity-packed crowd at MSG.

The typical cast of Tracy Morgan and Spike Lee were joined by the likes of Cardi B, Stefon Digggs, Timothee Chalamet, and sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

New York has their superstar, Jalen Brunson, to thank for this position they’re in.

The guard put up a double-double of 39 points and 12 assists alongside five rebounds while shooting over 50 percent from the field.

L-R: Kendall Jenner, Timothee Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner watch on at the Knicks game

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (L) sits with rapper Cardi B (R) at the game on Monday

Three other Knicks starters also put up double-digit points on the evening. Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double of his own with 23 points and eleven rebounds while Mikail Bridges also managed 23 points along with seven rebounds.

OG Anunoby was the final Knicks star who left a lasting impression on the night with 20 points. 

Now, the Knicks have the chance to eliminate a major rival and reach their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.

That year, the Reggie Miller-led Indiana Pacers knocked them off in six games before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers led by the tandem of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

:
Knicks on the brink of first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years after comeback win over Celtics at raucous MSG

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk