The New York Knicks achieved a monumental triumph by eliminating their biggest rival, the Boston Celtics, in the playoffs, marking their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. The Knicks' emphatic 119-81 victory over the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals ignited a massive celebration across Manhattan on Friday night, and the festivities might still be ongoing.
Following the decisive victory, the streets of Manhattan erupted in a jubilant atmosphere. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson showcased his custom truck, cruising through the city while fans cheered. Actor Timothée Chalamet nearly got pulled from his SUV as he enthusiastically joined the celebration, and renowned director Spike Lee greeted fans from the sunroof of his car, acknowledging the electric energy surrounding him.
Fans took the celebration to new heights, literally, by dancing on top of buses, hanging out on billboards, and even crowdsurfing with the help of a nearby guardrail. The excitement was palpable, as the Knicks' loyal supporters basked in the glory of their team's victory.
The festivities were heightened by surprise appearances from notable figures. Knicks governor James Dolan made a heartwarming gesture by passing along the game ball to two young fans. Additionally, NBA player Precious Achiuwa relished in the moment, celebrating what he described as the biggest win of his career. Even Spider-Man took a break from his crime-fighting duties to partake in the festivities, adding a whimsical touch to the night.
However, not everyone was thrilled by the celebration. The Celtics' team bus faced a less-than-warm send-off as it departed from Madison Square Garden, reflecting the intense rivalry between the teams. Knicks forward Mikal Bridges later joined the festivities, expressing his joy over the team's success while acknowledging that there is still work to be done.
This playoff victory set the stage for the Knicks to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades. Despite struggling against the Celtics during the regular season, losing eight of nine matchups since the previous season—including all four games during the 2024-25 season—the Knicks demonstrated resilience in the postseason. The series began with a daunting Game 1 where the Knicks trailed by 20 points; however, they mounted an incredible comeback to secure a 108-105 win.
Throughout the series, the Knicks faced adversity, often trailing by significant margins in the first five games, yet they managed to lead the series 3-2, positioning themselves for a decisive win at home. On Friday night, the Knicks capitalized on this opportunity, establishing a commanding 64-37 lead at halftime, paving the way for the celebration that followed.
The exuberance displayed by Knicks fans following this second-round series victory raises anticipation for what may unfold if the team defeats the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Fans can only imagine the scale of celebration if the Knicks advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Should they win the championship, the city of New York might witness an unparalleled celebration, where fans will leave no surface unclimbed in their joyous revelry.
