The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years, marking a significant milestone in a season that’s far from over. Jalen Brunson and his team see this achievement as merely another step, despite the jubilant celebrations taking place outside Madison Square Garden, where fans exuberantly danced and chanted.
In a stunning Game 6, the Knicks dismantled the Boston Celtics, concluding their title defence with a commanding 119-81 victory. This rout not only eliminated the Celtics but also erased New York’s streak of failing to win a playoff series on home ground since 1999. Brunson and OG Anunoby led the scoring for the Knicks, each putting up 23 points in the match.
Fans were ecstatic, showing their passionate support as Josh Hart shared a lighthearted moment with teammate Mikal Bridges, showing him footage of frenzied supporters climbing light poles outside the arena. Bridges, new to the Knicks, commented on the city’s deep love for their team, indicating that while the fans might revel in this victory, the players are focused on the journey ahead.
The Knicks are now set to face the Indiana Pacers in the next round—an anticipated rematch from their last conference finals appearance in 2000. Coach Tom Thibodeau has emphasised the importance of staying grounded, acknowledging the Pacers as a formidable opponent that requires thorough preparation.
During the game, Jayson Tatum sat out for the Celtics due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, a significant loss that hampered their performance. Despite Jaylen Brown’s 20 points, it was evident that the Celtics were not at full strength, leading Coach Joe Mazzulla to pull starters early in the third quarter when the Knicks built a 41-point lead.
The Knicks’ dominance was evident as they established a 27-point lead at halftime, the largest in a postseason game for the franchise in the shot-clock era, reminiscent of their historic triumph in the 1970 NBA Finals. Fans and celebrities alike, including Ben Stiller and Lenny Kravitz, celebrated the victory, highlighting the team’s reinvigoration and support from the community.
Hart concluded the game with a notable triple-double, achieving 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. As the Knicks revel in their triumph, they remain aware that their journey is ongoing, with much more at stake in the upcoming series against the Pacers, set to kick off on Thursday in New York.