The New York Knicks have made a significant mark in this year’s NBA playoffs by dramatically eliminating the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, with a resounding 119-81 victory. This monumental win not only propelled the Knicks into the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years but also showcased their strength and resilience.
Leading the charge for the Knicks were Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, each scoring 23 points. Their exceptional performances were pivotal in ensuring the Knicks clinched a 4-2 series victory over the Celtics, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown against the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers. The upcoming series promises to be thrilling, with the Knicks set to open their seven-game playoff series at home, scheduled for 01:00 BST on Thursday.
This victory marked a historic moment for the franchise, as their 38-point win established the largest winning margin in playoff history for the team. Additionally, six Knicks players finished with double-digit scores, highlighting the collective effort and depth of the roster. Mikal Bridges made a notable contribution with four three-pointers, leading to 22 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 of his own. Josh Hart also shone brightly, recording a remarkable triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, further emphasizing the team’s balanced attack.
The Celtics, already grappling with the loss of their star forward Jayson Tatum due to a ruptured right Achilles tendon sustained in game four, found themselves up against a determined Knicks squad. Despite hope stemming from a victory in game five, the formidable Knicks did not relent. In front of a raucous home crowd at Madison Square Garden, comprised of celebrities like Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller, and Spike Lee, the Knicks displayed relentless intensity. They started the game strong, leading 26-20 after the first quarter, before dominating in the second quarter with a staggering 38-17 run to take a commanding 64-37 lead into halftime.
Jaylen Brown stood out for the Celtics, leading his team with 20 points. Al Horford contributed 10 points while Payton Pritchard managed 11. However, Derrick White, who previously scored an impressive 34 points in game five, struggled with just eight points in this deciding match. The Celtics, despite their disappointment, showed commendable effort throughout the series.
Brunson’s connection to the Knicks runs deeper than just being a player; his father, Rick Brunson, was part of the team that last reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2000. “This is great,” Brunson shared after the victory, underscoring the significance of the moment for both himself and the franchise. He remarked on the weight of history, saying, “It means a lot to this organisation and this city.” He also reflected on the team’s rebound after Boston’s game five victory: “We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offence was just rolling.”
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed pride in his team’s complete performance, stating, “I thought from start to finish we were terrific.” Recognizing the formidable challenge the Celtics posed, he acknowledged their toughness while emphasizing the importance of earning every point against a quality opponent. “But we can’t get carried away,” Thibodeau cautioned, clearly focused on the next challenge. “We know that Indiana is a terrific team and we’re going to have to be ready.”
Meanwhile, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, reflecting on the journey, praised his players’ mindset and effort throughout the season. Although they fell short of their ultimate goal, he expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work they exhibited. “At the end of the day, we set a goal out and we didn’t achieve that goal,” he commented, reinforcing the importance of the process and the resilience shown by his team.
As the Knicks prepare for their next challenge, the excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and the city of New York is abuzz with anticipation for what lies ahead in the Eastern Conference finals.
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