Knicks Eliminate Celtics, Advance to Conference Finals
After 25 years of waiting, the New York Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, defeating the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in Game 6 with a decisive 119-81 victory at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks' dominant performance marked their largest margin of victory in playoff history, igniting a jubilant celebration among fans and players alike.
The Knicks' path to victory was paved with contributions from several key players. Jalen Brunson scored 23 points and provided six assists, while OG Anunoby also had 23 points, along with nine rebounds. Mikal Bridges added 22 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds. Josh Hart recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The team's balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Celtics, who struggled to find an answer.
The game quickly turned into a rout, with the Knicks building a substantial lead in the second quarter and maintaining their dominance throughout. Mitchell Robinson's defensive prowess was on full display, contributing to a smothering defensive effort that held the Celtics to just 37 points in the first half and 36% shooting for the game. The Knicks outscored the Celtics 38-17 in the second quarter, establishing a commanding 64-37 halftime lead.
Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team's focus on continuous improvement and striving for a championship. The Knicks' journey to the Eastern Conference finals included overcoming an 0-8 regular-season record against Boston and Cleveland. The team's transformation and resilience were evident in their ability to learn from past losses and deliver a decisive victory when it mattered most.
The Knicks will now face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at Madison Square Garden. The series win also gives the Knicks home-court advantage. The upcoming series holds added significance as the Pacers eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs last year. The Knicks' focus remains on achieving their ultimate goal of winning a championship, with each game presenting a new challenge.
The victory resonated deeply with Knicks fans, who have waited patiently for a return to the glory days. The win served as a testament to the team's potential and the excitement surrounding their future. As the Knicks prepare for the Eastern Conference finals, they carry the hopes and dreams of a city eager to witness a championship run.
For those looking to watch the Knicks take on the Pacers, the games will be broadcast on TNT. Streaming options include services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DirecTV Stream, all of which offer access to ABC, ESPN, TNT, and TruTV. Max will also stream the TNT/TruTV broadcasts of the playoff games.