Closing Time?

By Eddie Castro

As we go to press, the New York Knicks, led by their superstar player Jalen Brunson, were able to take a 3-1 lead in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, winning in comeback fashion once again by a score of 113-112. Brunson had a team-high 39 points to go along with 12 assists. He was magnificent, scoring 18 of his 39, igniting yet another Knicks double-digit comeback. The team was also able to get some balanced scoring from Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, who each had 23 points, and OG Anunoby made yet again some big baskets, as well as a huge steal in the fourth quarter after scoring just 2 points in the Game 3 loss. It was undoubtedly the most significant victory for the franchise in 25 years. New York now has a commanding 3-1 lead as they head back to Boston.

The Knicks will also likely receive an unfortunate sigh of relief to say the least, as Celtics star Jason Tatum went down clutching what appears to be his right Achilles with 2:58 left to go in the fourth in what was a non-contact injury. Tatum was lighting up Madison Square Garden, dropping a game-high 42 points and knocking down seven threes. It was unfortunate for the Celtics fans as Tatum was seen backstage in a wheelchair with his hands over his face. ESPN bet now has the Knicks as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks now head to Boston for Game 5 in what will be a hostile environment, but it will be an excellent opportunity for them to close out the reigning defending champion Celtics on their home floor. If Brunson and company can take care of business, it will be the Knicks’ first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. Regardless of Boston most likely being without their star player, the team still has great depth within the roster, as their number one scoring option will shift to Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.

The Celtics were 8-2 without Tatum during the regular season. This is a scenario no one expected, as the Knicks came into this current playoff series as heavy underdogs. Now they look to close out the champs in what currently looks like an Eastern Conference finals rematch between the Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, the team that eliminated New York in last year’s postseason. By this time next week, the NBA’s version of the final four should be set. There’s still a lot of great basketball ahead.

SPORTS NOTES: (BASEBALL) An unfortunate injury for the New York Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera as he injured his left ankle attempting to reach back for home late in the 9th inning in Seattle. Cabrera is just 23 years old but is already one of the most popular Yankees to the fan base and in the clubhouse. Cabrera was stretchered off the field. On behalf of myself and everyone here at Our Time Press, we want to send our deepest prayers to Cabrera and his family. Juan Soto will play his first game at Yankee Stadium since he elected to sign with cross-rival Mets this Friday, as the two teams begin a three-game set in the Bronx.

(Basketball) The Brooklyn Nets’ first pick in this summer’s NBA draft will be pick No.8. The team has four first-round picks this year. Could they possibly make a blockbuster trade with those picks? Stay tuned. The NBA draft will be held on June 25-26 at the Barclay’s Center.
Starting May 22nd, Our Time Press presents Sports Talk with Eddie Castro Live every Thursday at 5 pm. The Call-in # 718-568-7073. Scan the QR Code above for a direct link to Eddie’s LIVE page.