The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have been a thrilling showcase of grit, talent, and high-stakes basketball. Game 4, played on May 12, 2025, was a pivotal moment in the series, with the Knicks pushing the defending champions to the brink of elimination. This blog dives into the key moments, standout performances, and critical statistics from this intense matchup, breaking down how the Knicks secured a 121-113 victory to take a 3-1 series lead.
Key Players and Teams Who Took the Court:Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
Who Played? (Teams and Key Players)
The Boston Celtics, the defending NBA champions, brought their star-studded lineup to the court, led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. However, the team faced challenges with injuries, notably the absence of Kristaps Porzingis in earlier games and Tatum’s late-game injury in Game 4. The New York Knicks, fueled by their underdog spirit, relied heavily on Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns to drive their offense and defense.
What Was the Event?
This was Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, part of the NBA Playoffs. The series pitted the top-seeded Celtics against the resilient Knicks, who were chasing their first conference finals appearance in 25 years.
Where Was the Match Held?
The game took place at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, with an attendance of 19,812 fans, creating an electric atmosphere for the Knicks’ first home win of the series.
When Did It Take Place?
The matchup occurred on May 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET, broadcast on ESPN.
Why Was the Match Significant?
This game was a turning point in the series. The Knicks, trailing 2-1 after a blowout loss in Game 3, needed a win to avoid falling into a 3-1 deficit. For the Celtics, a victory would have tied the series and shifted momentum back to Boston. The Knicks’ 121-113 win put them one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Celtics faced the daunting task of overcoming a 3-1 deficit, potentially without their star, Jayson Tatum, who suffered a right leg injury late in the game.
How Did It Unfold Generally?
The Celtics started strong, building a double-digit lead by halftime (62-51). However, the Knicks mounted a ferocious comeback in the second half, outscoring Boston 37-23 in the third quarter, led by Jalen Brunson’s 18 points in that period alone. The fourth quarter saw intense back-and-forth action, with Tatum’s three-point play tying the game at 102 before OG Anunoby’s clutch 3-pointer sparked an 11-0 Knicks run to seal the victory.
Teams and Key Players
| Team | Key Players | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White | Tatum led with 42 points; Brown and White provided scoring and playmaking support. |
| New York Knicks | Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns | Brunson’s 39 points and 12 assists; Anunoby’s clutch 3-pointer; Towns’ double-double. |
Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 4 |
| Date | May 12, 2025 |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Attendance | 19,812 |
| Broadcast | ESPN |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown: Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
Key Moments in Each Quarter
- First Quarter: The Celtics jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on their high-tempo offense and perimeter shooting. Derrick White’s three-point shooting kept Boston ahead, while the Knicks struggled with early turnovers.
- Second Quarter: Boston extended their lead to 62-51 at halftime, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combining for efficient scoring. The Knicks’ offense relied heavily on Brunson, but their shooting percentages lagged.
- Third Quarter: The Knicks flipped the script, playing their starters the entire quarter and outscoring Boston 37-23. Brunson’s 18 points and Towns’ rebounding dominance shifted momentum.
- Fourth Quarter: The game tightened, with Tatum’s three-point play tying it at 102. Anunoby’s 3-pointer and the Knicks’ 11-0 run late in the quarter secured the 121-113 victory.
Shifts in Momentum
The game’s momentum swung dramatically in the third quarter when the Knicks’ aggressive defense forced Boston into poor shooting (2-of-15 from three in the fourth). The Knicks’ ability to push the pace and capitalize on second-chance points via rebounds was pivotal.
Player Substitutions or Injuries
- Celtics: Jayson Tatum was carried off the court with a right leg injury with 2:58 remaining, a potential series-altering moment. Kristaps Porzingis was already absent from earlier games, impacting Boston’s frontcourt.
- Knicks: The Knicks leaned heavily on their starters, with minimal substitutions in the third quarter to maintain their comeback momentum.
Notable Strategies Used
- Knicks: Focused on an inside-out game, with Towns stretching the floor and Brunson controlling the pace. Their defensive intensity, led by Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, disrupted Boston’s rhythm.
- Celtics: Relied on a high-tempo offense and ball movement but struggled with late-game execution and poor three-point shooting (15-for-60 across the game).
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Quarter | Boston Celtics | New York Knicks | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 33 | 28 | Celtics took an early lead with Derrick White’s three-point shooting; Knicks struggled with turnovers. |
| 2nd Quarter | 29 | 23 | Celtics extended their lead to 62-51 at halftime, driven by Tatum and Brown’s efficient scoring. |
| 3rd Quarter | 23 | 37 | Knicks mounted a comeback, outscoring Boston 37-23, with Brunson scoring 18 points. |
| 4th Quarter | 28 | 33 | Game tied at 102 after Tatum’s three-point play; Anunoby’s 3-pointer sparked Knicks’ 11-0 run to win 121-113. |
Additional Breakdown Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Momentum Shifts | Knicks flipped momentum in the third quarter with aggressive defense and efficient shooting (57.9% from three). Celtics faltered with poor 3-point shooting (2-of-15 in the fourth). |
| Player Substitutions | Knicks relied heavily on starters in the third quarter with minimal substitutions. Celtics managed without Kristaps Porzingis; Tatum’s late-game injury limited their options. |
| Injuries | Jayson Tatum (Celtics) suffered a right leg injury with 2:58 remaining, carried off the court. |
| Notable Strategies | Knicks: Inside-out game with Towns stretching the floor and Brunson controlling pace. Celtics: High-tempo offense, but struggled with late-game execution and poor 3-point shooting (15-for-60). |
Highlight Standout Performances: Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
⭐ Star Players and Their Stats
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 39 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 61.9% | 80% |
| OG Anunoby | Knicks | 20 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 61.9% | 80% |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 23 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 50% | 55.6% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 23 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 48% | 50% |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 42 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 45% | 13.3% |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 20 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 40% | 10% |
| Derrick White | Celtics | 23 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 50% | 40% |
🔥 Clutch Moments
- OG Anunoby’s 3-Pointer: With the game tied at 102, Anunoby’s deep three sparked the Knicks’ game-changing 11-0 run.
- Mikal Bridges’ Steal: Bridges’ steal from Jaylen Brown in the final seconds of Game 1 preserved a 108-105 overtime win, setting the tone for the series.
- Jalen Brunson’s Third Quarter: Brunson’s 18-point explosion in the third quarter of Game 4 shifted the game’s momentum decisively.
🤝 Leadership and Teamwork
Jalen Brunson’s leadership was evident in his ability to rally the Knicks after a lackluster first half. His 12 assists showcased his playmaking, while Towns’ rebounding and Hart’s defensive tenacity exemplified the Knicks’ team-first mentality. For the Celtics, Derrick White stepped up in Tatum’s absence, but Boston’s lack of cohesion in crunch time hurt their chances.
Key Statistics: Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
🏁 Final Score
- New York Knicks: 121
- Boston Celtics: 113
🎯 Shooting Percentages
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | 50.6% | 57.9% | 75% |
| Celtics | 42.1% | 25% | 80% |
🔄 Turnovers
- Knicks: 12
- Celtics: 15
🏀 Rebounds
- Knicks: 48 (15 offensive)
- Celtics: 40 (10 offensive)
🧠 Assists, Steals, Blocks
| Team | Assists | Steals | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | 24 | 8 | 4 |
| Celtics | 20 | 6 | 3 |
Quotes or Reactions: Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
🗣️ Post-Game Quotes & Reactions
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): “I think it was a sense of urgency, desperation, just knowing that we have a great opportunity.”
- Mikal Bridges (Knicks): “Just keep fighting. We were down way worse before.”
- Al Horford (Celtics): “We have to turn that page quickly and do our first job, which is win on Wednesday. That’s the mindset.”
- Joe Mazzulla (Celtics Coach): “Obviously [Tatum’s injury] impacts the game with his ability on both ends of the floor. It’s no excuse. We had plenty of opportunities.”
Read More : Pacers Vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats
Analysis: Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
🔍 Share Your Insights
The Knicks’ ability to overcome double-digit deficits has defined their playoff run. Their resilience, coupled with Brunson’s leadership and Towns’ versatility, has made them a formidable opponent. The Celtics, despite their depth and talent, have struggled with late-game execution and poor three-point shooting, particularly in Game 4.
✅❌ What Went Right or Wrong for Each Team
- Knicks:
- ✅ Right: Dominated the second half with aggressive defense and efficient shooting (57.9% from three). Brunson and Anunoby’s clutch performances were game-changers.
- ❌ Wrong: Early turnovers and a slow start put them in a deep hole, which they narrowly escaped.
- Celtics:
- ✅ Right: Built a strong first-half lead with balanced scoring from Tatum, Brown, and White.
- ❌ Wrong: Collapsed in the second half, with poor three-point shooting (15-for-60) and critical turnovers. Tatum’s injury late in the game compounded their woes.
🚨 Were There Controversial Calls or Moments?
No major controversial calls were reported, but Tatum’s injury sparked debate about the physicality of the game and whether the Knicks’ aggressive defense contributed to the incident. The officiating crew (James Williams, Scott Foster, Sean Corbin, Mitchell Ervin) maintained control, with no significant disputes noted.
📉 Did the Game Reflect the Teams’ Recent Forms?
The Knicks’ comeback mirrored their postseason trend of erasing fourth-quarter deficits, as seen in Game 1’s 20-point comeback. The Celtics, despite their regular-season dominance (winning all four matchups against the Knicks), have shown vulnerability in clutch moments, a departure from their championship form in 2024.
🏁 Conclusion
Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals was a testament to the Knicks’ resilience and the Celtics’ struggles under pressure. Jalen Brunson’s 39 points and 12 assists, paired with OG Anunoby’s clutch three and Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double, powered New York to a 121-113 victory, putting them one win away from the conference finals. The Celtics, facing a 3-1 deficit and uncertainty around Jayson Tatum’s injury, must now pull off a historic comeback to keep their title hopes alive. With Game 5 set for May 14, 2025, in Boston, the basketball world awaits the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
For more detailed box scores and game highlights, visit NBA.com or check the sports card above for player stats.
Below are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the keyword “Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats”, tailored to the context of Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, as described in the provided blog content. These FAQs are designed to address common queries fans might have about player performances and game statistics.
? FAQs: Boston Celtics vs Knicks Match Player Stats
Who were the top performers in the Boston Celtics vs Knicks Game 4 on May 12, 2025?
Answer: Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with an outstanding 39 points, 4 rebounds, and 12 assists, shooting 61.9% from the field and 80% from three. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum was the top performer with 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, despite a late-game injury. Other notable performances included OG Anunoby (20 points, clutch 3-pointer) and Karl-Anthony Towns (23 points, 13 rebounds) for the Knicks, and Derrick White (23 points, 6 assists) for the Celtics.
What were the key player stats that contributed to the Knicks’ victory in Game 4?
Answer: The Knicks’ victory was driven by efficient shooting and balanced contributions. Jalen Brunson’s 39 points and 12 assists, OG Anunoby’s 20 points (including a game-changing 3-pointer), and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 23 points and 13 rebounds were pivotal. The Knicks shot 50.6% from the field and 57.9% from three, while their 48 rebounds (15 offensive) and 8 steals helped control the game’s tempo and secure second-chance points.
How did Jayson Tatum’s injury affect the Celtics’ performance in Game 4?
Answer: Jayson Tatum’s right leg injury with 2:58 remaining in the fourth quarter significantly impacted the Celtics. Despite his 42-point performance, his absence in the final minutes left Boston without their primary scorer and playmaker, contributing to their inability to counter the Knicks’ 11-0 run, which sealed the 121-113 loss. The injury also raises concerns for Game 5 and beyond.
What were the shooting percentages and turnovers for both teams in the Celtics vs Knicks Game 4?
Answer: The Knicks shot 50.6% from the field, 57.9% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line, with 12 turnovers. The Celtics had a 42.1% field goal percentage, a struggling 25% from three (15-for-60), and 80% from the free-throw line, with 15 turnovers. The Knicks’ superior shooting, especially from three, and fewer turnovers were critical to their victory.
Which players had the most impactful clutch moments in the Boston Celtics vs Knicks Game 4?
Answer: OG Anunoby’s 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 102, sparked the Knicks’ decisive 11-0 run, making it a defining clutch moment. Jalen Brunson’s 18-point third quarter was also crucial in shifting momentum. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum’s three-point play to tie the game at 102 was a highlight, but his injury shortly after limited his impact in the closing moments.
