The New York Knicks stormed into the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 with a stunning 119–81 demolition of the Boston Celtics on Friday, sealing a 4–2 series win in emphatic style.
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby scored 23 points each, while five other Knicks players hit double digits in a statement performance that sets up a mouthwatering showdown with rivals Indiana Pacers.
New York broke the game open with a 38–17 second-quarter blitz to take a 27-point halftime lead, before pushing the advantage to 41 in the third.
Josh Hart posted a triple-double and Mikal Bridges drilled four threes as Tom Thibodeau’s side overwhelmed a Boston team missing the injured Jayson Tatum.
“This is great… it means a lot to this organization and this city,” said Brunson, whose father Rick played on the last Knicks team to reach this stage.
The Garden roared with celebrity backing from Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet and more as New York exorcised years of playoff frustration.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown’s 20-point effort was far from enough as their season ended with a whimper. “You have to take your hats off to the Knicks,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “They played a great series.”
Next stop for the Knicks: a battle with the Pacers for a place in the NBA Finals.
