Context:

Jalen Brunson's impressive 39-point performance led the New York Knicks to a 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics, putting the reigning NBA champions on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. The Knicks overcame a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semi-final, edging closer to their first finals appearance since 2000. The Celtics suffered a significant blow with the loss of Jayson Tatum due to a lower body injury, potentially impacting their strategy for the upcoming game five. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 3-1 advantage over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semi-final, buoyed by Anthony Edwards' 30-point contribution and a strong third-quarter performance. Both the Knicks and Timberwolves have the opportunity to clinch their respective series with victories in their upcoming games on Thursday.

Dive Deeper:

• Jalen Brunson was pivotal in the New York Knicks' triumph over the Boston Celtics, scoring 39 points and contributing 12 assists and five rebounds, as the team overcame a significant deficit in the third quarter to secure a crucial win.

• The Knicks' victory placed them ahead 3-1 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final, putting them in a prime position to reach the finals for the first time since 2000, with the potential to close out the series with a victory in Boston.

• Jayson Tatum's 42-point effort for the Celtics was cut short due to a lower body injury sustained in the fourth quarter, raising concerns about his availability for game five and the impact on Boston's playoff aspirations.

• In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves took a commanding 3-1 lead against the Golden State Warriors, largely due to Anthony Edwards' standout performance and a critical third-quarter surge that overwhelmed the opponents.

• Timberwolves' head coach Chris Finch's halftime critique spurred the team to elevate their play, resulting in a decisive third-quarter run that paved the way for their victory, with an opportunity to finish the series at home in game five.

• The Celtics initially held a strong lead through the efforts of Tatum and Payton Pritchard, but were ultimately outmaneuvered by the Knicks as Brunson orchestrated a comeback, demonstrating resilience and strategic play under pressure.

• Both the Knicks and Timberwolves are now poised to advance to their respective conference finals, contingent on securing wins in their upcoming games, showcasing the high stakes and competitive nature of the NBA playoffs.