Karl-Anthony Towns credited discipline, teamwork, and execution for the Knicks’ Game 4 victory Monday night, as New York edged Boston 121-113 at Madison Square Garden to push the defending champions to the brink of elimination.
After citing execution repeatedly following Game 3, Towns emphasized postgame that the Knicks responded with poise and purpose in front of their home crowd.
“I thought we did a great job,” Towns said. “They’re defending champs, but we stayed strong and executed what we had to do to find a way to win.”
The Knicks now hold a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals and can clinch a spot in the conference finals Wednesday night in Boston.
Towns contributed 23 points and was part of a defensive effort that limited second-chance points and maintained control of the boards against one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Mitchell Robinson’s impact was not lost on Towns, who praised the center’s all-around presence.
“He was just special tonight,” Towns said. “Whether it was guarding guards or big men, getting big rebounds, alley-oops, timely buckets—he was able to do it all.”
Robinson’s dominance in the paint helped counter a Celtics team that jumped out to a quick lead but faltered down the stretch.
Jalen Brunson once again led New York with 39 points and 12 assists, including 18 in the third quarter when the Knicks outscored Boston 37-23 to take control of the game.
“He’s a bad, bad man when it comes to the fourth quarter,” Towns said of Brunson. “It’s special to watch.”
The game’s tone shifted late in the fourth when Celtics star Jayson Tatum collapsed while chasing a loose ball. He was carried off the floor with an apparent right leg injury.
Towns, who approached Tatum immediately, reflected on the moment with empathy and concern.
“I just put my head down and prayed,” Towns said. “I hope it’s something minor. The NBA needs that kind of superstar talent.”
Tatum finished with a game-high 42 points before exiting with 2:58 remaining.
Despite the Celtics’ early double-digit lead, their inability to match New York’s intensity after halftime proved costly.
The Knicks’ defensive pressure and low turnover count kept Boston from gaining any rhythm, and an 11-0 run late in the fourth sealed the outcome.
Asked what the team must do to close out the series, Towns responded directly.
“Everything,” he said. “That’s the toughest game—to end someone’s season. We have to execute at the highest level possible.”
The Knicks will attempt to finish the series in Game 5 at TD Garden. If Boston extends the series, Game 6 would be back in New York.
