The New York Knicks extended their semi-final series lead to 3-1 against the Boston Celtics, yet Jalen Brunson insisted there was no cause for celebration.
Brunson scored 26 of his 39 points in the second half, helping the Knicks overturn a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to secure a 121-113 victory in Game 4. Despite the win, Brunson emphasised that their mission was not yet complete.
Brunson’s performance was pivotal as he finished with a team-high 39 points on 25 shots and added 12 assists. “I was actually telling everyone to get off the court. I was like, it’s nothing to celebrate,” said Brunson. The Knicks are now one win away from reaching the finals for the first time since 2000, with a chance to clinch the series in Boston on Thursday.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges also scored 23 points. The Knicks displayed resilience after Derrick White’s three-pointer gave the Celtics their largest lead at 72-58 early in the third quarter. However, they fought back strongly in the fourth quarter.
Brunson played a crucial role in regaining control of the game. A key moment came when OG Anunoby stole the ball from Jayson Tatum, leading to an injury for Tatum and helping the Knicks secure a commanding 118-106 lead. “I was just in a flow and doing whatever,” Brunson explained about his approach during this critical phase.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team’s determination and teamwork throughout the contest. “They hit us early, and obviously we got into a hole,” Thibodeau stated. “I love the way we fought back, and we showed a lot of toughness and more discipline in the second half and timely plays.”
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Despite acknowledging their progress, Brunson stressed that they are still striving for improvement. “I think [tonight] was a sense of urgency, desperation,” he said. He believes they have not yet reached their peak performance level this season.
The Knicks’ journey continues as they aim to become even better as a team. Brunson highlighted that their squad is relatively new this year and has room for growth. “There’s always time to learn for us,” he noted, underscoring their commitment to continuous improvement.