Knicks Stand One Win Away from History

The electricity in Madison Square Garden isn’t just about basketball nostalgia—New York Knicks fans sense their team is on the cusp of something rare. For the first time in more than two decades, the Knicks hold a real shot at the NBA conference finals. Leading their playoff series 2-0 over the Boston Celtics, New York is riding a wave of confidence, even as the action now heads to Boston for a pivotal Game 4.

Game 3 showed the Knicks at their most resilient. Down by double digits yet again, they clawed back with a tenacity that’s become their postseason calling card. The centerpiece of this comeback? Jalen Brunson. The point guard didn’t just keep the Knicks afloat—he exploded for 29 points in the third quarter, shaking off Celtics defenders and silencing doubters who ever questioned his playoff mettle. It’s the kind of performance New York rarely saw in seasons past, and it’s made all the difference.

On the flip side, the Celtics—last year’s title-holders—are standing at the edge. Jayson Tatum, their unwavering star, has put on his own late-game heroics, splashing clutch three-pointers to keep Boston’s hopes alive. Still, the Celtics have been tripped up by defensive breakdowns and trouble on the boards, issues that have given New York repeated second chances.

What Needs to Change for Boston?

Boston isn’t short on talent, but they’re in urgent need of answers. Every time New York’s big men crash the glass, the Celtics’ defenders find themselves scrambling. It’s costing them crucial possessions down the stretch. And while Tatum’s shot-making is reliable, he can’t shoulder the burden alone. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have to step up, not only on offense but by applying pressure at the other end.

The matchups that will decide Game 4 are clear. Tatum faces a rotating cast of Knicks wing defenders determined to make each of his shots a battle. New York, meanwhile, has perfected the art of ugly, physical basketball—grinding out wins through hustle and sheer effort. The Celtics’ interior defense has to contain Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle, or risk watching the Knicks rack up easy second chance points.

Still, this series could swing if Boston regains confidence at home. The TD Garden crowd has seen its share of classic comebacks, and the Celtics always seem to find another gear on their own floor. But with the Knicks playing their best basketball at the right moment, shutting down their momentum won’t be simple.

All eyes are on Game 4. Will New York make it a clean sweep and punch their ticket to the conference finals, or can Boston dig deep and remind everyone why they were the favorites just a week ago?