The New York Knicks delivered a message at Madison Square Garden on Friday night — one filled with dominance, intent, and history.
In a game that was never close, the Knicks overwhelmed the defending champion Boston Celtics 119-81 in Game 6, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
A New York Statement on a Historic Stage
Led by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby with 23 points each, supported by Mikal Bridges (22 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (21), New York surged to its largest-ever postseason win.
The 38-point margin marked the worst loss by a defending champion in a playoff elimination game. It also tied for the third-worst defeat in Celtics playoff history.
The Knicks will now face the Indiana Pacers — the same opponent from their last trip to the East Finals. Game 1 tips off Wednesday at the Garden.
Dominance from Start to Finish
New York never trailed. The Knicks opened the game with defensive fire and converted it into transition offense. They led 64-37 at halftime — equaling their largest postseason halftime lead since the shot-clock era began.
The Garden crowd fed off the energy. As the lead swelled to 41, Boston coach Joe Mazzulla waved the white flag, clearing his bench and watching his season dissolve.
No Tatum, No Chance
Jayson Tatum’s absence loomed large. After suffering a ruptured Achilles in Game 4, the Celtics lost their anchor. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points, but foul trouble sent him to the locker room with 2:50 remaining in the third — the second-earliest foul-out in modern playoff history.
The Celtics had held leads in every game of the series. Game 6 was different. They were never in control.
Garden Glory Returns
Josh Hart delivered a playoff triple-double (10 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists). Deuce McBride sparked the second-quarter run with a chase-down block that triggered a roar from the stands. Moments later, Hart’s and-one layup sent the building into frenzy.
A home playoff series clincher hadn’t happened for the Knicks since 1999. On Friday, the moment returned — and it was loud, joyful, and well earned.
A Long Time Coming
This Knicks team isn’t just surviving the playoffs. It’s storming through them.
They’re back in the NBA’s final four for the first time in 25 years. And they got there by dismantling the champions in front of a roaring home crowd.
