Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles up court in front of New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the second half during Game 4 of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Knicks are new favorites in East after injury to Celtics' Jayson Tatum

By Kevin McCormick | Last updated May 13, 2025 4:06 PM ET

Coming off a 121-113 victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks are one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

The Knicks went all in this offseason by trading for forward Mikal Bridges and big man Karl-Anthony Towns. These moves have paid huge dividends, as the group looks capable of competing for a championship.

Aside from New York taking a 3-1 lead in the series, the biggest takeaway from Game 4 was Boston's Jayson Tatum's potential Achilles injury.

In light of recent developments, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has changed his stance regarding the NBA title hopefuls. He is confident the Knicks will be one of the last teams standing this season, now that the Celtics could be without their star player.

On Tuesday's episode of ESPN's "First Take," Perkins discussed the Knicks as they get closer to eliminating the defending champions. He wouldn't be shocked if they secured a Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.

"Look, they going to the NBA Finals man. Once they close out the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks are headed to the NBA championship," Perkins said. "I'm a take it a step further, I wouldn't be surprised if they win it all if I'm being honest with you."

"I wouldn't be surprised if [the Knicks] win it all."

The crew didn't agree with this @KendrickPerkins take pic.twitter.com/ZkP3CvS5oN
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 13, 2025

New York gambled on building a team that could take down Boston, and it has paid off. The Knicks' versatility and impressive play in the clutch this playoffs could carry their momentum to the NBA Finals.

Even if New York can finish the job against Boston, tough challenges will still be ahead. As things currently stand, they're on a collision course for a rematch with the Indiana Pacers. Indiana might have eliminated them last year, but the circumstances would be different now.

With the Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers hobbled, the Knicks should be considered favorites to represent the East in the Finals. They have a star duo in Towns and Jalen Brunson that continues to come up big when it matters most, and a supporting cast that thrives in their respective roles.

Only time will tell if this will be enough for the historic franchise to end its playoff drought.

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a basketball writer for Yardbarker with years of experience in the journalism field. Based out of Philadelphia, he graduated from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management in 2019. Since then, Kevin has gone on to build a career in sports writing

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