Knicks Dominate Celtics to Reach NBA Finals
The New York Knicks dealt a crushing blow to their arch-rivals Boston Celtics, thrashing them 119-81 to book their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. The Knicks' electrifying performance, which included a 38-17 second quarter scoring spree, was enough to send the Celtics crashing out of the NBA playoffs. The win sets up a showdown against the Indiana Pacers next week for a place in the NBA Finals, with the Knicks brimming with confidence after a resounding victory.
Key Takeaways:
- The Knicks won the series 4-2, with a dominant display that saw six players finish in double figures.
- Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the way with 23 points apiece, while Mikal Bridges drained four three-pointers on his way to 22 points.
- Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, and Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
- The Celtics, who had given their fans hope of a miraculous comeback after their Game 5 win, were ultimately snuffed out in ruthless fashion.
- Boston's Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending injury in Game 4.
- Celtics' Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 20 points, with Al Horford adding 10 points and Payton Pritchard finishing with 11.
Statistics:
- 119: final score of the game
- 81: Celtics' final score
- 4-2: Knicks' series win margin
- 23: points scored by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby
- 22: points scored by Mikal Bridges
- 21: points scored by Karl-Anthony Towns
- 10-11-11: triple-double stats for Josh Hart
- 26-20: Kia's first quarter lead over the Celtics
- 38-17: Knicks' second quarter scoring spree
- 64-37: Knicks' halftime lead over the Celtics
Sources:
- "Knicks thrash Celtics 119-81 to reach NBA Finals." [Exact source format not provided]