Knicks Lead Celtics 3-1 After Major Playoff Upset

NEW YORK — The New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics Monday night, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference playoffs after a thrilling 121-113 victory at Madison Square Garden.

Despite starting the series with two road victories, the Celtics were expected to win. However, New York’s star guard Jalen Brunson emphasized the urgency, stating, “It’s nothing to celebrate,” as he urged fans off the court following the game.

The Knicks entered the game as bets to win the Eastern Conference, now holding +120 odds to reach the NBA Finals. The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder remain favorites, despite facing a tough series against the Denver Nuggets after their Game 5 win, which pushed them to a tight 3-2 lead.

With the Celtics struggling to cope after the injury of superstar Jayson Tatum in Game 4, the pressure is mounting. Following an evaluation, Tatum was confirmed to have torn his Achilles, sidelining him for an extended period.

Brunson, who scored 34 points in the win, expressed concern for Tatum, emphasizing the importance of players like him for the league: “The NBA needs that kind of superstar talent that he is.”

In other playoff action, the Minnesota Timberwolves lead the Golden State Warriors 3-1, and the Indiana Pacers await their next opponent after sending the Cleveland Cavaliers home early.

The Celtics are set to face elimination as they prepare for Game 5 against the Knicks on Wednesday night at TD Garden, where they must rally to keep their season alive.