The Knicks vs Celtics game on May 13, 2025 wasn’t just another playoff matchup—it felt more like a brawl wrapped inside a basketball game. Madison Square Garden was loud, rowdy, and fully charged as the New York Knicks clashed with the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. If you missed it live, don’t worry. We’re diving into the full details, and I mean every detail—from who dropped 40+ to which bench players barely saw daylight. Whether you’re just looking for the box score or really wanna break down who showed up (and who kinda didn’t), this breakdown of knicks vs boston celtics match player stats has got you. Stats, takeaways, momentum shifts—it’s all here, laid out in a way that won’t put you to sleep. Let’s get into it.
Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats (Box Score Overview)
Alright, so if you just wanna skip the fluff and dive straight into the numbers, this is the spot. The Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats from May 13 didn’t just tell a story—they screamed it. This wasn’t a clean-cut, low-scoring, grind-it-out type of game. Nope. This one was buckets-on-buckets with both teams throwing haymakers on the scoreboard.
Let’s start with the Knicks. Jalen Brunson went absolutely off—we’re talkin’ 39 points, 56% from the field, and a cool 4 threes on 8 attempts. The guy was slicing the Celtics defense like a hot knife through butter. Right behind him, Mikal Bridges and KAT (yes, Karl-Anthony Towns in a Knicks jersey still feels wild) each dropped 23. That trio basically carried the load.
On the flip side, Jayson Tatum did what superstars do—dropped 42 points with some filthy shot-making. But… outside of him and maybe Derrick White, the rest of the Celtics squad looked kinda flat. Jaylen Brown added 20, but those 4 turnovers? Yikes.
From the benches? Not much impact. A few sparks here and there, but this game was about the starters—especially in the second half when the tempo turned up.
| Team | Player | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | Jalen Brunson | 40:24 | 14 | 25 | 56.0 | 4 | 8 | 50.0 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 39 |
| Knicks | Karl-Anthony Towns | 35:52 | 11 | 15 | 73.3 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 23 |
| Knicks | Mikal Bridges | 44:11 | 11 | 21 | 52.4 | 1 | 6 | 16.7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
| Knicks | OG Anunoby | 39:39 | 8 | 14 | 57.1 | 4 | 8 | 50.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 20 |
| Knicks | Josh Hart | 29:35 | 2 | 7 | 28.6 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 6 |
| Celtics | Jayson Tatum | 39:37 | 16 | 28 | 57.1 | 7 | 16 | 43.8 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 42 |
| Celtics | Jaylen Brown | 32:33 | 7 | 16 | 43.8 | 2 | 8 | 25.0 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 20 |
| Celtics | Derrick White | 43:31 | 6 | 12 | 50.0 | 6 | 11 | 54.5 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 23 |
| Celtics | Payton Pritchard | 20:21 | 4 | 10 | 40.0 | 2 | 7 | 28.6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Celtics | Al Horford | 37:30 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Rebounds, assists, steals—you can get those numbers below, but here’s the vibe: the Knicks out-shot, out-hustled, and out-willed the Celtics when it mattered. The box score doesn’t lie, and this one’s proof. Let’s break it down by each team now.
Top Performers: Knicks Player Highlights
When the New York Knicks step onto the court and everything just clicks — that’s what this game felt like. There were moments of chaos, of course. A few missed shots, some fouls that probably didn’t need to happen, and the typical garden drama. But when you zoom in on the core of the action, three names defined this win: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Jalen Brunson, what a night. The man dropped 39 points and served up 12 assists like it was just another walk in the park. It wasn’t. His timing was insane — slipping through defenders, reading plays before they even developed. It felt like he had the game script in his hands. Late in the third quarter, he orchestrated a run that blew the momentum wide open. If you’re talking about a true Madison Square Garden showdown, this was it. He didn’t just play; he directed traffic and turned chaos into art.
Mikal Bridges was next up with 23 points, and it wasn’t just the total — it was when they came. There’s a different kind of energy when a player keeps the pace steady while your star is resting, and Bridges did just that. His clutch shots in the fourth quarter were pure oxygen for the team. Every time Boston tried to claw back, he shut the door.
And let’s not forget Karl-Anthony Towns, who brought muscle and finesse together like few big men can. 23 points and 11 rebounds, and every single one of them mattered. His presence in the paint threw the Celtics’ rhythm off. You could see their hesitation — drive or not? Challenge or pass out? Towns made them question themselves, and that matters more than stats sometimes.
| Team | Player | MIN | PTS | AST | REB | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | Jalen Brunson | 40:24 | 39 | 12 | 5 | 56.0% | 50.0% |
| Knicks | Karl-Anthony Towns | 35:52 | 23 | 1 | 11 | 73.3% | 0.0% |
| Knicks | Mikal Bridges | 44:11 | 23 | 3 | 7 | 52.4% | 16.7% |
| Celtics | Jayson Tatum | 39:37 | 42 | 4 | 8 | 57.1% | 43.8% |
| Celtics | Derrick White | 43:31 | 23 | 2 | 3 | 50.0% | 54.5% |
Together, they looked like a unit. The ball movement was crisp, especially late in the game when the Knicks were running down the clock and still finding open shooters. The synergy was real. In the 4th quarter, they turned it up — clutch buckets, tight defense, and an undeniable sense that they weren’t going to let this one slip. That’s the kind of finish fans love. That’s how you close out a win.
Celtics Standouts: Tatum’s Big Night & the Injury Twist
Jayson Tatum came out like a man on a mission. You could feel it from tip-off—he wasn’t just playing; he was attacking. Dropped a crazy 42 points, and it looked like he might single-handedly drag the Celtics to a win. Mid-range, deep threes, transition buckets—name it, he did it. That Celtics comeback attempt? It was all Tatum, front and center.
But then… the twist.
Late in the fourth, Tatum came down awkward. Limped. Grabbed at that leg. And just like that, the energy shifted. You could hear the silence. It wasn’t official, but fans were already whispering: “What’s the update? How bad is it?” This Jayson Tatum injury update became the talk before the final buzzer even sounded. Game changer, literally and mentally.
Still, he wasn’t alone.
Derrick White was cooking from deep—six threes to be exact. Super efficient. Didn’t force it. Just waited, found his spots, and kept Boston in the fight when New York started running wild. He’s the kind of player that won’t get the headlines, but without him? This game ends way earlier.
Then there’s Jaylen Brown. Tough night shooting, but he stayed aggressive. Pulled down boards, drove into traffic, tried to create something when the offense stalled. Gritty. Not flashy, but needed.
Jrue Holiday had flashes too. He’s always that steady hand. Defense, hustle, ball control—you get it. Not a stat sheet stuffer, but his presence matters.
But make no mistake—Tatum was the sun, and everything else revolved around him tonight. Until he limped off.
Whether it’s a sprain, tweak, or something worse, it’ll be the headline tomorrow. Because if Tatum’s not 100%, Boston’s entire playoff picture just got cloudy.
And that comeback? That might’ve been their last gasp.
Turning Point: Tatum Injury Shifts Momentum
Everything was tight until that moment. Knicks were surging, but Boston still had fight left. Then boom—Jayson Tatum lands awkwardly, clutches the leg, and everything just… stalled. The pace slowed, the energy dipped, and even the Celtics bench looked shook. It wasn’t just a physical setback. It hit the team like a mental gut punch.
Up to that point, Tatum had 42 points and was still looking dangerous. You felt like, if anyone was going to push this to overtime or even steal it, it was him. But once he limped to the bench? That belief kinda faded.
The Knicks didn’t hesitate. Sensed weakness. Brunson turned up the heat. Towns pounded the glass. Bridges started cutting through defenders like butter. Suddenly, that “tight game” had a bit more air in New York’s lungs and way less in Boston’s.
Defensively, the Celtics lost a step. No surprise there—Tatum does more than score. He pulls defenders, spaces the floor, draws doubles. Without that gravity, the Knicks were able to tighten their defense and clamp down on Boston’s role guys.
This wasn’t just a key play. It was the moment. Everything before was back-and-forth. After? One team looked like a contender. The other? Just holding on.
We’ve seen injuries turn series before. This one? It flipped a single game in real-time. The way Boston slowed down, mentally and physically, after the injury was wild. It wasn’t even confirmed, yet the impact was loud. Real loud.
And when the buzzer hit, the scoreboard didn’t just show a loss—it showed the fallout of a star falling mid-fight.
Team Comparison: Who Owned the Stats?
When the dust settled, the box score told a story just as loud as the crowd. This wasn’t just a “who scored more” battle—it was a showcase of pace, poise, and pressure-handling. And looking at the numbers? The Knicks didn’t just edge Boston—they outplayed them in key areas that made the difference.
From field goal efficiency to rebounding hustle, New York turned the stats into statements. Jalen Brunson’s 39 points were flashy, sure, but the real beauty was in the team’s 54.3% shooting clip. That’s a heat check that never cooled off. Meanwhile, Boston dropped 48.1%, which would normally hold up—unless the other squad’s throwing flames.
Rebounding? Knicks dominated with 43 total boards. Celtics? 31. That’s not just a stat; that’s control. More second chances, more transition setups. They owned the glass.
And assists? The Knicks shared it better too—25 dimes compared to Boston’s 15. That’s chemistry in motion.
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 54.3% | 35.3% | 75.0% | 43 | 25 | 12 | 121 |
| Boston Celtics | 48.1% | 37.5% | 73.1% | 31 | 15 | 12 | 113 |
The stats don’t lie. Boston fought hard, but New York played smarter, tougher, and with way more rhythm.
While the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match had its own drama and standout performances, fans looking for similar matchups packed with star power should check out the Lakers vs Golden State Warriors match player stats — another playoff clash where individual brilliance turned the tide.
Expert Takeaways and Tactical Analysis
The Knicks didn’t just win—they executed. Every late rotation, every switch on defense, every decision in crunch time screamed preparation. This wasn’t luck. It was poise, planning, and a whole lot of composure. Their defensive rotation tightened up in the second half. You could see it—those easy corner threes Boston was hitting earlier? Gone. Shut down. Hands up, close-outs sharp. That’s classic Knicks playoff strategy right there.
And offensively, the Knicks didn’t panic. Brunson ran it like a vet, Towns punished mismatches down low, and Bridges kept sliding into gaps like he’s been doing it for a decade. It was the little things—spacing, off-ball movement, setting hard screens—that cracked Boston’s defense wide open.
Meanwhile, Boston looked… tired. Especially in the fourth. You could feel it in their legs. The offense became too Tatum-heavy. The guy dropped 42, sure—but when your entire plan leans on one man? That’s trouble. It felt like a “Tatum or bust” situation, and when his ankle turned late? You saw the air leave the room.
As for the coaching battle? Tom Thibodeau pulled every right lever in the second half. Defensive tweaks, shifting matchups, trusting his bench just enough. On the flip side, the Celtics coaching decisions were safe. Too safe. No big in-game gamble. No real counters. And the Knicks capitalized.
Bottom line: this was a tactical masterclass by New York and a reality check for Boston.
What’s Next? Game 5 Outlook & Series Implications
So here we go—Game 5. TD Garden. Knicks up 3-1. The pressure? Squarely on Boston’s shoulders.
Let’s start with the obvious: the Jayson Tatum ankle status is everything. No update yet, but from the way he limped off, it’s not nothing. If he’s not at full strength, or worse—if he’s out—it’s hard to imagine the Celtics pulling off a full comeback. One game? Maybe. Three straight? With how the Knicks are rolling? That’s a tall order.
On the flip side, New York smells blood. They’re confident, clicking, and bringing that trademark grit. Their Game 4 poise, especially in crunch time, showed they’re not just here—they’re ready. This isn’t fluke energy. It’s playoff maturity. Expect them to push hard for the closeout in Game 5.
This Knicks vs Celtics Game 5 preview isn’t about matchups anymore—it’s about heart, health, and hunger. Can Boston dig deep without Tatum at 100%? Can the Knicks keep the momentum without letting up?
One thing’s clear: NBA Playoffs 2025 just got a whole lot more dramatic.
Final Thoughts:
What a night. May 13 didn’t just give us a playoff game—it gave us a battle. The Knicks vs Celtics match player stats told one story, but the vibe told another. Jalen Brunson’s masterclass with 39 points and 12 assists set the tone. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns backed him with big plays and bigger presence. They played like a squad that knew the moment was theirs.
Boston? They had heart. Jayson Tatum’s 42 was heroic. But the late-game limp? That changed everything. Derrick White’s shooting, Jaylen Brown’s grit—it was all there. Just not enough.
New York out-thought, out-toughed, and flat-out outlasted Boston when it mattered most.
Now? All eyes on Game 5. Can the Knicks shut it down at TD Garden? Or will the Celtics find one more miracle?
Either way, this series just turned must-watch.
Henry Philip is the Lead Publisher at VCEMagazine.com, where he delivers in-depth coverage of the sports world — from player stats and game analytics to financial profiles of elite athletes. With a background in sports journalism and data analysis, Henry tracks performance trends and off-field ventures across major leagues like MLB, NFL, NBA, and international football.
Over the years, he has profiled top stars, broken down match-day metrics, and analyzed how athletes build wealth through contracts, sponsorships, and business ventures. His work bridges the gap between on-field performance and off-field financial strategy, helping fans understand the full picture of sports success.
Whether writing about a quarterback’s clutch stats or a baseball legend’s business empire, Henry’s focus is on accuracy, insight, and trusted storytelling.