The New York Knicks made a stunning statement by eliminating the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, from the playoffs with a commanding 119-81 victory. This win marks the Knicks' first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in 25 years, a significant milestone for the franchise and its loyal fanbase.
Leading the charge for the Knicks were Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, both scoring 23 points. Their performance helped secure a 4-2 series victory, setting up an exciting showdown against the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers for a coveted spot in the NBA finals. The Knicks will kick off this seven-game series at home, with the first game scheduled for 01:00 BST on Thursday.
This victory was not just significant in terms of the series; it was also historic. The 38-point margin of victory is the largest winning playoff margin in Knicks franchise history. Six players from the Knicks finished in double figures, showcasing the team's depth and versatility. Notably, Mikal Bridges contributed with four three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points. Josh Hart also made headlines by achieving a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The Celtics faced significant challenges during this playoff series, particularly after losing star forward Jayson Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles tendon in game four. This injury is expected to sideline him for approximately nine months. Despite a glimmer of hope after winning game five, the Celtics struggled to regain momentum in this decisive game. Jaylen Brown led Boston's scoring with 20 points, while Al Horford and Payton Pritchard contributed 10 and 11 points, respectively. Derrick White, who had an impressive 34 points in game five, found it difficult to make an impact this time, finishing with just eight points.
This playoff success holds special significance for Jalen Brunson. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Rick Brunson, who was part of the last Knicks team to reach the Eastern Conference finals in 2000. "This is great," Jalen remarked. "The fact that we haven't been here since my dad was on the team - he's not gonna like that - but it means a lot to this organization and this city." He expressed pride in the team's resilience, especially after bouncing back from a loss in game five.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team's complete performance against the reigning champions. "I thought from start to finish we were terrific," he stated. "The Celtics are a terrific team on both sides of the ball. They play their style no matter what, and so they're not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it." He cautioned the team to stay focused, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the Indiana Pacers in the upcoming series.
Despite the defeat, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commended his players for their efforts throughout the season. "At the end of the day, we set a goal out and we didn't achieve that goal," he said. "But that shouldn't take away from the mindset and effort that the players put in. The approach, the process, you can't ask for more from the guys. I thought they gave everything they had throughout the season."
As the Knicks prepare for their upcoming series against the Indiana Pacers, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting matchup. With a rich history and a desire to return to the NBA finals, the Knicks are ready to make their mark. The next chapter in their playoff journey begins on Thursday, and all eyes will be on Madison Square Garden as they aim to continue their impressive run.
