The New York Knicks are now in command to advance over the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
The New York Knicks rose to the occasion with a 121-113 Game 4 win in the Eastern Conference Semifinals round against the Boston Celtics.
After enduring a lopsided loss in Game 3, the Knicks responded accordingly to the challenge. They are now one win away from eliminating the reigning NBA champions and stamping their ticket to the East Finals for the first time in 25 years.
The marquee game was about to enter crunch time until Jayson Tatum’s injury in the closing minutes.
Tatum, who was scorching with 42 points, left with 2:58 remaining in a scary non-contact right leg injury. LeBron James and others already sent their well wishes to the Celtics superstar.
In perhaps the most important game of the series, the Knicks performed at the very best with their top-four players registering 20-plus points.
As usual, it was Jalen Brunson in front as the New York superstar demonstrated another “killer” play, finishing with 39 points and 12 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges dropped 23 markers each, while OG Anunoby was impactful once again with 20 points.
New York’s Big four occupied the spotlight, but the Knicks understand that their success might not be possible without the motivating leadership of PJ Tucker.
Speaking right after the impressive Game 4 dub, Josh Hart made sure to give Tucker the praise he deserves.
“Shout out to PJ Tucker for making sure we’re up and talking,” Hart said. “He brought that championship pedigree to us and deserves a big shoutout.”
Hart further added, “He always talks to us. He’s a champion and he’s bringing that mentality.”
Signed by the team this past midseason via 10-day contracts, the Knicks’ decision to commit to Tucker is an underrated move by the franchise.
After a bitter breakup with the LA Clippers and bouncing around multiple teams ahead of the trade deadline, Tucker instantly found a home in the Big Apple, where he embraced being the team’s veteran leader.
Even though he is barely playing, the 40-year-old shows his importance to the Knicks on the sidelines and in the locker room with his seasoned voice and presence.
Tucker, a 2021 NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, has been instrumental with that experience he holds as one of the former top role players in the league.
And with the Knicks finally on the cusp of advancing and being a few steps closer to the NBA title, they will continue to rely on his knowledge and guidance to ultimately win it all.
