If you don’t believe Friday night’s New York Knicks performance was historic, just ask them about it. They crushed the Boston Celtics, on the road, by an incredible 38 points in game 6 of their playoff series. This unforgettable win remains the biggest victory in Knicks playoff history. It sends the team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
The unique contest held inside Madison Square Garden quickly became a spectacle. The Knicks went out to a 26-20 lead after the first quarter. They had a blistering 16-4 run to blow it open. By the midway point of the second quarter, they had jumped out to a very impressive 18-point lead. By the halftime break, the Knicks were firmly in control with a 64-37 lead. Miles “Deuce” McBride was enormous, punctuating the half with an electric putback dunk and buzzer-beating three-pointer.
After a breakout season with the Raptors, OG Anunoby joined Jalen Brunson at 23 points each to lead that team and create a torrent of scoring in transition. Mikal Bridges chipped in 22 points of his own, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Don’t forget that Josh Hart made headlines by recording the franchise’s first postseason triple-double since 1972. He ended up with an incredible triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
The Knicks shot an impressive 46.2 percent from the field overall. They made 16 of 45 three-point tries, good for an impressive 35.6 percent from deep. They put together a strong performance on both ends of the floor, leading by up to 41 points. That contest was virtually locked up when Boston’s Jaylen Brown fouled out with just under three minutes remaining in the third period.
“Upset or not, we beat a great team,” – Jalen Brunson
For the Celtics, this loss represents another disappointing exit from the playoffs. Derrick White reflected on the season, stating, “There’s ups and downs through every season. This part sucks and we didn’t complete the goal that we set out to get.” He was realistic enough to admit that, while they might have been struggling, they were up against a powerful foe.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving success, saying, “They’re not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it.” This mantra was as clear in his team’s play as it was in the way their series against the New Jersey Devils opened.
The Knicks are preparing for their toughest test in the Eastern Conference Finals. They want to ride the wave of their recent success and set the stage for another deep run in search of their first championship. That win against one of their biggest historical rivals in the Celtics only builds their confidence as they head into uncharted waters.
