The New York Knicks delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, defeating the Boston Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The emphatic win sent the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years, marking a climactic juncture in the franchise’s recent history. New York overwhelmed the defending champions with a combination of aggressive defense, cohesive team play and efficient scoring.

The 38-point margin sealed the series 4-2 and set a new franchise playoff record for largest victory margin. Despite a wobbly opening quarter, the Knicks steamed ahead during the second quarter, maintaining their dominance throughout the remainder of the game. This result closed out the series at Madison Square Garden, marking the team’s first home-series clincher since 1999.

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With the victory, New York advances to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers have a deep playoff history with the Knicks, particularly in the 1990s, including memorable clashes in 1994, 1999 and 2000. The upcoming series promises to revive that old rivalry, with Game 1 set for Wednesday in Manhattan.

This return to the Eastern Finals is especially significant for the Knicks’ organization and fanbase, both of which have endured a long postseason drought. The combination of strategic coaching, veteran leadership and emerging stars appears to have lifted the team into serious contention for an NBA title.

Key contributions came from multiple players, underlining New York’s balanced offensive approach. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the scoring effort with 23 points each, equally providing perimeter accuracy and interior toughness. Mikal Bridges added 22 points, draining four three-pointers while Karl-Anthony Towns dominated inside with 21 points, giving Boston’s frontcourt little room to breathe.

Josh Hart also delivered a standout performance with a triple-double—10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. It was New York’s first postseason triple-double since 1972, highlighting the team’s all-around execution and unselfish play. The offensive outburst was complemented by suffocating defense that made it nearly impossible for Boston to build any momentum.

The Celtics entered Game 6 hoping to extend the series to a decisive Game 7 but were hampered by the absence of Jayson Tatum, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4. Without their primary scorer, Boston struggled to find rhythm. Key players such as Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard were largely ineffective, particularly during a critical 17-4 Knicks run that turned a close game into a lopsided affair.

Although Jaylen Brown led Boston with 20 points, his efforts came in isolation and he ultimately fouled out before the fourth quarter. Head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to bench most of his starters midway through the third quarter, recognizing that the game was out of reach. The Celtics finished the night shooting just 36% from the field and 29.3% from beyond the arc.

The Knicks dominated statistically across multiple categories. They shot 46.2% from the field and hit 16 of 46 from three-point range, rebounding from a slow start. On the boards, New York held a 55-36 advantage, further illustrating their physical dominance. Defensively, New York maintained pressure throughout the game, forcing Boston into poor shot selection and frequent turnovers.

Their ability to neutralize Boston’s ball movement was particularly effective, as it disrupted the Celtics' attempts to compensate for Tatum’s absence. Head coach Tom Thibodeau credited his team’s intensity and discipline, noting that overcoming a well-coached and defensively sound team like Boston required consistency and focus. He also emphasized the importance of shifting attention to the upcoming series against Indiana, describing the Pacers as a formidable opponent that would demand another high-level performance.

As the final buzzer sounded, a wave of euphoria erupted across Madison Square Garden. Thousands of fans quickly flooded the surrounding streets of Manhattan, celebrating the team’s most significant postseason achievement in decades. Chants of victory echoed through Seventh Avenue as crowds climbed light poles and cheered from rooftops, while police worked to maintain order amid the high energy.

The win served as a symbolic return to form for the Knicks, who have spent the last two decades striving to recapture the grit and competitiveness of their 1990s teams. This victory secured their place in the conference finals and reignited the passion of a fanbase long starved for meaningful playoff success.

New York’s journey through the playoffs has been marked by strong team chemistry, depth and an ability to adapt to different challenges. With multiple players capable of stepping up offensively and a defensive system that disrupts even the most efficient teams, the Knicks have established themselves as legitimate contenders for the NBA title.

Looking ahead, the series against Indiana promises a high level of physicality and drama, reminiscent of past Knicks-Pacers playoff battles. Although the upcoming challenge will test their resolve, the current version of the Knicks appears more than ready to rise to the occasion. For the first time since 2000, New York basketball is relevant in late May. And, for the first time since 1973, conversations about a possible return to the NBA Finals feel realistic.