The New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden for Game 4 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, looking to take a pivotal 3–1 lead in the series and move one step closer to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, questions loom over the availability of star forward Karl-Anthony Towns after a hand injury scare in Game 3.
Boston dominated Game 3 with a commanding 115–93 victory, jumping out to a 71–46 lead at halftime behind a blistering 12-of-19 shooting from three-point range in the first half. The Celtics would finish with 20 made threes, overwhelming the Knicks and reigniting NBA league-wide concern about Boston’s elite offensive ceiling.
Jayson Tatum led the way with a well-rounded performance, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and five three-pointers on 9 attempts. While not explosive, Tatum’s poise and versatility helped Boston maintain control from start to finish—a performance that underscored the urgency for New York to have all hands on deck, especially Towns.
Towns expected to be available for Game 4
Towns injured his left ring finger during Game 3, prompting speculation about his availability for Game 4. Video clips appeared to show the Knicks forward telling teammates he may have “broken something.” Still, Towns dismissed the concern postgame: “It is what it is,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to be out there for my team.”
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics
Despite the injury scare, Towns finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds in Game 3, registering a double-double despite shooting just 5-of-18 from the field. He made up for his inefficiency at the line, knocking down 10 of 11 free throws.
see also
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reveals what Boston did to win Game 3 vs Knicks
Knicks’ injury report
As of Monday morning, Towns is not listed on the official injury report and is expected to play in Game 4. The Knicks have a clean bill of health heading into the matchup, with head coach Tom Thibodeau likely rolling out his full projected starting five: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Towns.
With Boston showing signs of offensive dominance and the series momentum on the line, New York will need Towns at full strength to protect home court and inch closer to a long-awaited Finals berth.
