“I was like, it’s nothing to celebrate.” This is what the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson had to say as his team took a crucial 3-1 lead in the series. The Knicks came back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to win Game 4, 121-113. As the final buzzer went off at Madison Square Garden, everyone was buzzing. But Brunson acknowledged that the job was far from over.
Indeed, the job is not done as the Knicks still have to land that final jab as the series heads back to the TD Garden in Boston. So, will the Knicks be able to eliminate the defending champions? If so, then how?
New York’s superstar point guard and the NBA’s most clutch player this season proved why he has that title on Tuesday. He finished the night with 39 points, along with 12 assists and five rebounds. 26 of those 39 points came in the second half of the game when the Knicks were in dire need of some motivation.
“I love the way we fought back, and we showed a lot of toughness and more discipline in the second half, and timely plays. Everybody worked together on both ends of the floor.” Knicks HC Tim Thibodeau lauded his team’s performance. Indeed, they were impressive, especially Brunson. However, there are concerns over the point guard’s fitness heading into Game 5.
What concerns? Well, we’ve already seen the 28-year-old miss several games due to an ankle injury this season. While he’s been healthy so far in the postseason, that has been a lingering issue. But there’s good news for the Knicks faithful as Jalen Brunson is not on the injury report and fit to play tonight, according to ESPN. That’s huge news for New York, because he’s been the team’s best player in not just this series, but the entire season.
In fact, his averages have seen a spike from the regular season to the playoffs, something which isn’t common. Brunson is averaging 30.1 points, along with 8 assists and 4 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball up court during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
So, having him on the floor is great news as they look to put Boston to sleep in their own backyard. Meanwhile, New York’s other superstar and Knicks’ No. 2, Karl-Anthony Towns, is also amid an impressive campaign. He has stepped up big time, despite having his fair share of injury troubles. The Knicks’ big man is also available for tonight’s clash against Boston. KAT has stood his ground in this series and much of the season as well.
So, having both him and Brunson ready for the team’s biggest game of the season so far will give them a massive boost. Moreover, this means that the Knicks have a fully healthy roster heading to Game 5 against the Celtics.
Keeping that in mind, it makes one think, what will be Tim Thibodeau’s strategy as the Knicks hope to finish the series in five?
What could be New York’s starting five against Boston in Game 5?
If you’ve watched the Knicks even casually, or know Tim Thibodeau’s coaching style, you’d be aware that he’s infamous for playing his starters. The Knicks’ head coach isn’t particularly known for making a lot of tweaks and adjustments to his lineup. On the contrary, he prefers to follow the if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it policy.
So, it will be safe to assume he’ll trust his usual starting five for this massive game as well. Well, you cannot even question it, because it has worked superbly so far. So, here’s how the Knicks could start:
Position
Starter
PG
Jalen Brunson
SG
Mikal Bridges
SF
Josh Hart
PF
OG Anunoby
C
Karl-Anthony Towns
Well, the Knicks have been much more clinical in this series than the Celtics, and that has been the key difference. Even if Boston had any chance of a comeback from this 3-1 deficit, that faded away when Jayson Tatum exited Game 4 in a wheelchair. So, the Knicks look poised to win this and enter the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
However, you cannot write off Boston completely; their chances might be less than before, but we’ve seen crazier things happen in the NBA postseason.
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