Jalen Brunson continued his sensational postseason run with 39 points and 12 assists to lift the New York Knicks past the Boston Celtics, 121-113, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the win, New York takes a 3-1 lead in the series, moving one victory away from its first East Finals appearance since 2000.
The Celtics stormed out early, using a 12-0 run fueled by four 3-pointers in the final minute of the first quarter to build a 12-point lead. Boston extended that edge to 14 in the third before Brunson ignited a Knicks comeback. Scoring 18 of his 39 in the quarter, he led a 17-6 run to end the frame and gave New York a 3-point lead heading into the fourth.
The final quarter was tight until Brunson and his former Villanova teammate, Mikal Bridges, delivered an 11-2 closing run. Bridges scored 10 of his 23 points in the fourth, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby combined for 43 points.
Brunson joined Knicks legend Walt Frazier as the only players in franchise history to post 35 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists in a playoff game. He also joined Kobe Bryant as the only players with 100+ fourth-quarter points through 10 playoff games since 1998.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 42 points but exited late with a leg injury. Game 5 is Wednesday in Boston.