The New York Knicks ended the Boston Celtics’ title defence with a 119-81 blowout victory at Madison Square Garden to book their spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 24 years.
The Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers in the next round, a rematch of last season’s play-off clash where Indiana eliminated them in Game 7 of the semi-finals.
The 38-point margin marked the most lopsided playoff win in Knicks history – a perfect response to their previous 25-point defeat.
“We watched the film, and we were kind of disgusted with our communication, our effort and our sense of urgency,” said Josh Hart, who recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. “That was something we knew we had to fix.”
The turning point came in the second quarter, where the Knicks outscored Boston 38-17, building a 27-point half-time lead.
One play in particular summed up New York’s night – after Celtics guard Derrick White intercepted a pass and sprinted toward the basket, Deuce McBride chased him down and blocked the layup attempt off the backboard. The sequence ignited screams from the Garden crowd.
As the cheers rang out, Hart collected the rebound and led a fast break, eventually scoring a floater through contact from Jrue Holiday. He completed the three-point play, turning the sequence into a five-point swing.
YOUR KNICKS ARE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS BOUND pic.twitter.com/cGILCziGWZ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 17, 2025
Boston, missing Jason Tatum and with Kristaps Porzingis again hampered physically, couldn’t afford mistakes.
Yet they committed six turnovers in the second quarter alone – matching their total field goals for the period – and surrendered 15 offensive rebounds across the game.
Jaylen Brown, who led the Celtics with 20 points, fouled out in the third quarter and was met with a rendition of “Hit the Road Jack” from the Garden faithful as he exited.
Four Knicks players scored at least 20 points – Brunson, Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
After the game, those four starters appeared at the podium together. They fielded questions about their impact on the city, their historic run, and whether they felt it was appropriate yet to celebrate.
“I just think there’s still more to go. We’re not done,” said Mikal Bridges, acquired in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason. “We played hard and handled business, but the season’s not over yet.”
