The New York Knicks stormed into the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years after a commanding 119-81 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday, eliminating the defending champions with a 4-2 series win.
Fueled by a balanced offensive display, six Knicks players scored in double digits. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the charge with 23 points each, while Mikal Bridges contributed 22 points, including four three-pointers. Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, and Josh Hart delivered a triple-double — 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The emphatic win sets up a high-stakes clash with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks, who suffered a tough game five loss to the Celtics, rebounded in spectacular fashion at Madison Square Garden.
“In game five they got the best of us and we responded tonight,” Brunson told ESPN. “We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offense was just rolling.”
Brunson’s return to the conference finals carries special significance. His father, Rick Brunson, was part of the last Knicks squad to reach this stage in 2000.
“This is great,” Brunson added. “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.”
Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team’s all-around performance, noting the effort required to overcome a team of Boston’s caliber.
“I thought from start to finish we were terrific,” Thibodeau said. “(The Celtics) are 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.”
The Knicks now turn their attention to the Pacers as they aim for their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
