Pacers, Timberwolves, Knicks, and Celtics One Win Away from Advancing After Thrilling Game 4 Victories

The Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics all grabbed 3-1 leads in their respective first-round playoff series after crucial Game 4 wins on Sunday night.

In Milwaukee, the Indiana Pacers cruised past the Bucks 129-103 in a dominant performance. Myles Turner led the way with 23 points as one of eight Pacers to score in double figures. Andrew Nembhard added 20 points while Tyrese Haliburton shined with 17 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds. Indiana shot a blistering 60.2 percent from the floor, draining 18 of their 39 three-point attempts, and racked up 36 assists on 50 made baskets. 

For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo fought valiantly with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, but the loss was compounded by Damian Lillard’s early exit due to a lower left leg injury. Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 23 points off the bench for Milwaukee.

In Minneapolis, Anthony Edwards delivered a superstar performance, scoring 43 points to lift the Timberwolves to a 116-113 comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Minnesota dominated the fourth quarter 32-19, erasing a deficit to seize control of the series. 

Luka Doncic, rebounding from illness, posted 38 points for the Lakers, while LeBron James added 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Austin Reaves had a final chance to tie the game but missed a contested three-pointer at the buzzer.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks edged the Detroit Pistons 94-93 in a thriller. Jalen Brunson showcased his toughness, scoring 32 points despite injuring his ankle, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns added 27 points, and Josh Hart contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

The game ended in controversy after Detroit’s Tim Hardaway Jr. was seemingly fouled on a last-second three-point attempt, but no call was made. Officials later admitted to missing the foul. Cade Cunningham scored 25 points for Detroit, which tied an NBA record with a ninth straight home playoff loss.

Finally, in Orlando, Jayson Tatum’s 37-point, 14-rebound effort propelled the Boston Celtics to a 107-98 win over the Magic. Boston capitalized on the free-throw line, converting 30 of 32 attempts. Jaylen Brown (21 points, 11 rebounds) and Kristaps Porzingis (19 points) also contributed heavily. Paolo Banchero’s 31 points kept the Magic close, but it wasn’t enough to stop Boston from taking a commanding series lead.

All four teams now stand just one win away from securing their spots in the conference semifinals.