New York Knicks Dominate Boston, Reach Conference Finals for First Time in 25 Years

The Knicks' impressive performance saw six players score in double figures, setting up a thrilling matchup against the Indiana Pacers in the East finals. Read more about the game highlights.

The New York Knicks made history with a dominant 119-81 victory over the Boston Celtics, sending the defending champions packing and securing their spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. This impressive win completed a 4-2 series victory, showcasing the Knicks' determination and skill.

Josh Hart had a standout performance, becoming the first Knicks player to achieve a triple-double in the playoffs since Walt “Clyde” Frazier in 1972. Hart's impressive stats included 10 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Knicks' triumph. The team's rampant display left the Celtics struggling to keep up, ultimately leading to their early exit from the playoffs.

The New York Knicks' dominant performance saw six players score in double figures. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the charge with 23 points each, while Mikal Bridges contributed 22 points on 4 three-pointers. Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points to the tally. Josh Hart rounded out the impressive display with a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The New York Knicks' dominant 119-81 win over the Boston Celtics sets up a thrilling matchup against their arch-rivals, the Indiana Pacers, in the Eastern Conference finals. The best-of-seven series promises to be intense, with the Knicks riding high on confidence after their impressive performance.

The Knicks will look to carry their momentum into the series against the Pacers, having bounced back from a tough Game 5 loss on Wednesday. With their electrifying display, the Knicks have proven they can compete at a high level, and they'll aim to make a deep playoff run.

Jalen Brunson reflected on the Knicks' dominant 119-81 win over the Celtics, saying, “In game five they got the best of us and we responded tonight. We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offense was just rolling.” This impressive performance sets the stage for the Knicks' Eastern Conference finals matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

Brunson will lead the Knicks' challenge, following in the footsteps of his father Rick, who was part of the Knicks team that last played in the Eastern Conference finals 25 years ago in 2000. With his standout play and clutch performances, Brunson is poised to make a lasting impact on the team's postseason run.

“This is great. I mean, the fact that we haven't been here since my dad was on the team - he's not gonna like that - but it means a lot to this organization and this city.”

Knicks Coach Praises Team's Dominant Performance

“I thought from start to finish we were terrific,” Tom Thibodeau said after the Knicks' 119-81 win over the Celtics. “They're a terrific team on both sides of the ball. They play their style no matter what, and so they're not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it. And I felt we did that.”

Thibodeau cautioned against complacency, adding, “But we can't get carried away. Obviously it's a great win and we advance. But you also understand that you have to get ready for the next series. We know that Indiana is a terrific team and we're going to have to be ready.”

A star-studded crowd, including Timothée Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller, and Spike Lee, witnessed the Knicks' dominant performance at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics, who were dealing with the aftermath of Jayson Tatum's season-ending injury in Game 4, had given their fans hope with a win in Game 5, but the Knicks put an end to those hopes with their convincing victory.

The Knicks took an early 26-20 lead in the first quarter, which set the tone for their dominant performance. They then unleashed a scoring avalanche in the second quarter, outscoring the Celtics 38-17 and taking a commanding 64-37 lead into halftime. This 27-point cushion effectively ended Boston's hopes of a comeback.

KNICKS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/GfvWgQAr6Q

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 17, 2025

The Knicks continued to pour on the points in the third quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 41 points en route to a convincing 119-81 victory. Jaylen Brown was the top scorer for the Celtics, finishing with 20 points. Al Horford contributed 10 points, while Payton Pritchard added 11 points in a losing effort.

Derrick White, who had scored 34 points in the Celtics' Game 5 win, was held to just 8 points in the decisive Game 6. This significant drop in production was a key factor in Boston's inability to mount a comeback.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla reflected on the tough loss, saying, “At the end of the day, we set a goal out, and we didn't achieve that goal.” This honest assessment highlights the team's disappointment and frustration after coming so close to forcing a Game 7.

“But that shouldn't take away from the mindset and effort that the players put in...the approach, the process, you can't ask for anymore from the guys. I thought they gave everything they had throughout the season.

“You have to take your hats off to the Knicks. They played a great series and they've been great all year, and Thibs is a great coach - so you have to take your hat off to them.”