KEYPOINTS SUMMARY: Knicks making History
- Knicks lead series 3-1 and can close it out tonight in Boston
- Celtics star Jayson Tatum out for playoffs after Achilles surgery
- New York chasing first Conference Finals since 2000
- Brunson shines with 39 points and 12 assists in Game 4
- Celtics hit 18 threes but collapsed in the second half again
- Boston’s playoff hopes now rest on Jaylen Brown and Porzingis
- Knicks are the surprise powerhouse of the 2025 NBA playoffs
DECISION DAY? KNICKS ONE WIN AWAY FROM SENDING CELTICS HOME!
The New York Knicks are on the verge of making NBA playoff history—and the Boston Celtics are reeling in shock and scrambling for survival.
With Jayson Tatum out for the rest of the playoffs after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery, tonight’s Game 5 at TD Garden could spell the end of the Celtics’ title defense. And the Knicks are ready to slam the door shut.
TATUM OUT. CELTICS IN SHOCK.
The worst-case scenario is now official: Jayson Tatum is done.
After dropping 42 points in Game 4, the Celtics superstar crumbled to the hardwood with a non-contact injury in the closing minutes—and the team confirmed that he ruptured his right Achilles tendon.
“We all knew it looked bad,” said Kristaps Porzingis. “But this? It’s devastating.”
The Celtics announced on Tuesday that Tatum had surgery and will miss the remainder of the postseason—potentially all of next season, too.
TATUM’S ABSENCE CHANGES EVERYTHING
Tatum wasn’t just Boston’s leading scorer. He was their heartbeat.
- 28.1 PPG
- 11.5 RPG
- 5.4 APG
With Tatum gone, Boston’s path to repeat is in ruins. The franchise now faces a brutal offseason, with luxury tax bills soaring, major contracts locked in, and uncertainty hanging over the future.
BRUNSON & KNICKS SMELL BLOOD
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are playing like champions.
The NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year poured in 39 points and 12 assists in Game 4, pulling the Knicks out of yet another second-half hole to beat Boston 121-113.
It was the third straight time New York erased a double-digit Celtics lead to snatch the game late.
“We’re not done yet,” said Brunson. “This team believes. We’ve been counted out all season. Let’s finish the job.”
If New York wins tonight, they’ll reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
BOSTON FACES NBA’S RAREST COMEBACK TASK
Teams down 3-1 in NBA playoff history are 13-20. That’s a 95.6% elimination rate.
And without Tatum? The odds get even uglier.
Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis now have to carry the weight of an entire franchise, fanbase, and season on their shoulders.
CELTICS’ FINANCIAL NIGHTMARE JUST BEGUN
Beyond the court, Boston’s future is in flux:
- Tatum’s $314M supermax kicks in next season
- Jaylen Brown is on a $304M contract
- Next year’s projected payroll: $225M
- Luxury tax bill: nearly $280M
- Total cost: Over $500M
With Tatum possibly out for all of next season, Boston may need to rethink their entire roster. Will the new ownership eat the cost—or hit the rebuild button?
CELTICS BLEW IT IN GAME 4
Boston led big again in Game 4. They made 18 threes, dominated the paint, and had the crowd stunned into silence.
But after halftime? Collapse. Again.
They went 6-for-24 from beyond the arc in the second half and let Brunson and Bridges walk all over them in the final five minutes.
GAME 5: EVERYTHING ON THE LINE
New York Knicks at Boston Celtic
Wednesday, 7:00 PM ET
TD Garden, Boston
TNT
BetMGM Odds: Celtics -4.5 favorites
Tonight’s game is the Celtics’ last stand. A win sends it to Game 6 at MSG. A loss? Season over.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WINNER?
If New York wins tonight, they move on to face the Indiana Pacers, who just shocked the Cavaliers and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
A Knicks-Pacers showdown would be a throwback to one of the NBA’s most iconic rivalries.
BETTING ODDS SHAKE-UP: KNICKS SURGE
Updated Championship odds:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: +105
- New York Knicks: +500
- Minnesota Timberwolves: +600
- Indiana Pacers: +900
- Boston Celtics: +3000
- Golden State Warriors: +15000
Boston went from top-tier to near-hopeless in a matter of days.
UPCOMING NBA PLAYOFF EVENTS
- May 18 or 20 — Game 1, Western Conference Finals
- May 19 or 21 — Game 1, Eastern Conference Finals
- June 5 — Game 1, NBA Finals
- June 25 — NBA Draft, Round 1
- June 26 — NBA Draft, Round 2
Knicks making History: GAME 5 COULD REWRITE HISTORY
The Celtics were built for a dynasty. Now, they’re holding on by a thread. No Tatum. A bruised roster. A $500M price tag hanging over their heads.
And the Knicks? They’re fearless. They’re hungry. And they’re ready to finish the job.
History is knocking.
Will Boston defy the odds—or will New York deliver the knockout punch?
Tonight, we’ll find out.
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