The New York Knicks emphatically ended the Boston Celtics’ reign as NBA champions on Friday night, dismantling them 119-81 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to clinch the series 4-2 and advance to their first conference finals in 25 years. From the opening tip, it was clear this night belonged to the Knicks.
New York raced to a 64-37 halftime lead — a 27-point margin that matched the largest in a playoff game in franchise history during the shot-clock era. That benchmark was set in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, when a hobbled Willis Reed famously returned to inspire the Knicks to their first NBA championship. On Friday, history echoed at Madison Square Garden, only this time it was a new generation writing the story.
Led by a balanced and relentless attack, the Knicks overwhelmed a Celtics team that had hoped to extend the series despite losing Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points for Boston, but the game was out of reach early and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla began pulling starters in the third quarter with the deficit swelling to 41.
For New York, it was domination across the board. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the charge with 23 points apiece, while Mikal Bridges poured in 22 and Karl-Anthony Towns added 21. Josh Hart recorded a rare playoff triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists — and then showed teammate Bridges a video of a fan climbing a light pole outside the arena on the way to the postgame press conference.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Hart said with a smile, soaking in the moment alongside a jubilant crowd that had begun celebrating late in the first half. “We feel the energy of the city. And we’re not done.”
The Knicks hadn’t won a playoff series on their home floor since the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals. That drought ended in spectacular fashion as New York’s 38-point margin of victory marked the largest in franchise postseason history.
A 13-3 run late in the second quarter punctuated the Knicks’ first-half dominance, highlighted by a Deuce McBride chasedown block on Derrick White — an emphatic play that led to a three-point play from Hart and further ignited the raucous Garden faithful.
Now, the Knicks will face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals — the same team they battled in 2000, the last time New York made it this far. Game 1 tips off Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
For the Celtics, the loss ends a disappointing title defense marred by injury and inconsistency. For the Knicks, it marks the continuation of a dream postseason run — one fueled by grit, depth, and a belief that echoes the franchise’s most storied moments.
The lights are shining bright on Broadway, and the Knicks are ready for their next act.
