Celtics-Knicks Game 4 Review: Nearing the Finish Line

The New York Knicks generated the biggest lead of this series, late in the fourth quarter, on an OG Anunoby steal and slam dunk, extending the Knicks' lead to 12 with three minutes left to go in the game. At that point, the Celtics lost the game and might have lost their spirit when Jayson Tatum suffered a leg injury on that same play. No one was near him, no one touched him, as he was trying to sprint over to recover the loose ball on the floor that Anunoby had stolen for a score-scot-free.

It was simply off the foot he planted on to sprint to the loose ball before being stolen by Anunoby. Tatum had to be wheeled into the locker room after being carried off the floor. It was the best game he had during this postseason. As great as both teams played in this game four in New York, the team with the crowd and Spike Lee on their side came out of this one with a little more to give.

Team of Destiny?

No matter how suffocating Boston's defense was during game four, nor how spectacular Jayson Tatum was during game four. The New York Knicks' stars were going to the max to earn every point they could to give their team a chance. They figured to mix up their shot selection by taking shots more in the paint and mid-range, and only taking the three-point opportunities when they were there. This strategy helps their offense avoid being one-dimensional. Karl Anthony-Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges scored at least 20 points in this game. They all were shooting at no less than a field goal percentage of 52 percent.

This was against the best defense in the NBA, the only defense this season to have allowed their opponents to score under 100 points per game on average (97.9 points allowed per game). The Knicks scored 121 points on the Celtics, the most they allowed this postseason. This team came to Madison Square Garden with the second-best road record in NBA history (33-8 during the regular season). The Knicks beat this team in New York in their largest victory margin in this series (121-113). No matter how much the Celtics' defenders contested their shots and how congested their big man duo made life under the basket for the Knicks. The Knicks' shot makers went bullseye every minute of the night, regardless of how little space was given to them.

The Show Goes On

The Celtics could force a game seven without Jayson Tatum if their adjusted backcourt lineup of Brown and Holiday turns their play to another level or two. Along with Derrick White repeating his 23-point performance from last night. Jaylen Brown, one of the best two-way players in the league, can be just as capable as Tatum in dictating the climax of a game. Jrue Holiday, arguably the best defender at the point guard position, would be expected to bring enough offense to produce enough points for his team to win.

The frontcourt duo of Porzingis and Horford should take turns or double down on the "Big KAT," as he has been getting better, game by game. Of course, they would also have to battle with Mitchell Robinson on the boards, but focusing more on their finest asset from the past offseason would slow down New York's blazing offense. Their perimeter defense continues to contest the shots of the Knicks' perimeter shooters, which is the best they have been so far in this series. The Celtics would have to match them, shot for shot, point for point, and fire up the grill from long range throughout the next two games if they want to stay alive.

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