CNN
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The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 121-113 at Madison Square Garden on Monday to take the 3-1 series lead.
New York fell by up to 14 points in the third quarter, ending the period with a 12-2 run, bringing a 88-85 lead to fourth.
With less than six minutes left in the 102-102 game regulations, Knicks Forward OG Anunoby drained three pointers to give the Knicks a 105-102 lead.
Four Knicks players scored at least 20 points. Jalen Brunson finished with 39 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. The towns of Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony each had 23 points, with Anunoby adding 20.
After the victory, Branson discussed a comeback, victory and extension of the series lead.
“It means a lot. It’s a big game for us. Just the way we responded, it’s something I’m most proud of.
“It’s a tough team over there. Obviously we want to get off to a better start, but they got experience. They’re the defending champions for a reason.”
Later in the fourth quarter, Celtics’ sixth all-star forward Jason Tatum fell with an obvious contactless injury as he tried to chase the loose ball. He immediately grabbed his right ankle and felt a lot of pain for a while.
Tatum was saved by the court because he was unable to put pressure on his right foot. He was taken through the tunnel in a wheelchair MSG.
Celtics head coach Joe Matzla said Tatum will have an MRI on Tuesday after suffering “intra-hypophysis injuries” in the game.
“You’re always worried about someone else’s health,” Matzra told reporters. “He’s the type of guy who gets up straight away. He didn’t, and tomorrow we’ll know exactly what it is. It’s hard to see a guy like him being carried that way.”
Tatum finished with a game-high 42 points, linking Celtics legends Larry Bird and John Havelisek in the most 40-point postseason game in franchise history. Tatum scored eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in 40 minutes.
“It’s our brother. I hate seeing him fall. I know he’s the type of guy. It’s hard to see him fall,” said Celtics guard Derrick White, who scored 23 points after the game. “We need to find a way to win Game 5.”
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown finished with 20 points and seven rebounds and said it was “tough” for Tatum to go down.
“It’s tough tonight. Some people are losing the game, but I think everyone is speechless just because of obvious JT’s concerns. But tomorrow I’ll get my head back and go from there.”
Branson said he “pray for the best” for Tatum.
“We want to go out there and compete, but when a player in his caliber is falling down and rolling in such pain, you give my thoughts and prayers because you never want to see something like that.”
The Knicks are aiming to eliminate defensive NBA champions Celtics on Wednesday in Boston.