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Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum Gear Up to Face New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden

First Quarter


As the Boston Celtics prepare to face off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, all eyes are on Jayson Tatum, the standout forward for the C's. Over the last three games, Tatum has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 25.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 10.3 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency has been impressive, particularly in Game 1 where he scored a remarkable 42 points with a field goal percentage of 57 percent.


NEW YORK, NY - MAY 12: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics will rely heavily on Tatum's scoring ability and leadership to set the tone early in the game. His performance in previous matchups against the Knicks shows his capability to dominate both offensively and defensively. In Game 2, he contributed significantly with 22 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a rebounder.


Second Quarter


In addition to Tatum's contributions, Derrick White has emerged as another key player for Boston. The guard has consistently delivered solid performances across all three games, averaging 20 points per game while maintaining an impressive offensive rating of over 130 in two of those contests. White's ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc was evident in Game 2 where he shot an outstanding 60 percent from three-point range.


NEW YORK, NY - MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jaylen Brown also remains a crucial component of Boston's strategy. The forward has averaged 19.7 points over these playoff games and demonstrated his defensive prowess with multiple steals and blocks throughout this series. Brown’s performance will be vital in countering New York’s offensive threats.


Third Quarter


On the other side of the court, Jalen Brunson stands out as a formidable opponent for Boston. The Knicks' guard has been exceptional in recent games, averaging an impressive 27.7 points along with seven assists per game. His standout performance came during Game 1 where he scored a staggering 39 points while dishing out twelve assists.


NEW YORK, NY - MAY 12: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots a three point basket during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Karl-Anthony Towns is another player who poses a significant challenge for Boston’s defense. The center-forward combination player has been dominant on the boards with an average of fourteen rebounds per game across this series while contributing offensively as well.


Fourth Quarter


As we approach crunch time in this pivotal playoff matchup, it will be essential for Boston to maintain their defensive intensity against New York’s high-scoring players like Mikal Bridges who had notable performances including twenty-three points in Game 1 coupled with four steals showcasing his dual-threat capabilities on both ends of court play.


For Boston Celtics’ success at Madison Square Garden hinges not only upon individual brilliance but also cohesive team effort especially focusing on minimizing turnovers which plagued them previously (e.g., Jaylen Brown recorded six turnovers alone during Game Three).


With strategic adjustments based upon prior encounters between these teams along with leveraging home-court advantage factors such as crowd energy levels impacting momentum shifts could prove decisive towards securing victory within tightly contested quarters expected throughout duration upcoming fixture scheduled May sixteenth eight PM Eastern Time televised live via ESPN network coverage originating directly from iconic venue located heart bustling metropolis known globally simply ‘Big Apple’.


Don’t miss out! Share your thoughts about potential outcomes favorite players involved via social media platforms using hashtag #CelticsVsKnicks2025Playoffs – let’s get conversation started today!

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