By The Knicks proved they were built to beat the Celtics, eliminating the reigning champions in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Now, they prepare for the Pacers in the East Finals.
Key Players Who Made the Difference
While Boston relied on three-point shooting and pace, the Knicks imposed their will with physicality, controlling the paint and dictating the tempo of the series. Their ability to limit Jayson Tatum’s impact and capitalize on injuries turned the matchup in their favor, culminating in a decisive Game 6 victory.
Looking Ahead: Knicks vs. Pacers
With the Celtics eliminated, New York now turns its attention to the Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana. Their toughest battle may be behind them—but can they carry this momentum all the way to the Finals?
Their roster construction—featuring Jalen Brunson’s leadership, Julius Randle’s versatility, and key additions like OG Anunoby—gave them the depth and defensive toughness needed to challenge Boston’s firepower. The Knicks’ ability to contain Jayson Tatum and capitalize on injuries played a crucial role in their upset win4.
The Knicks imposed their will with physicality, controlling the paint and dictating the tempo of the series, rather than relying on perimeter shooting like Boston. Unlike Boston, the Knicks relied on physicality, controlling the paint and dictating the tempo.
When the New York Knicks constructed their roster, they had one primary goal: to compete with and ultimately overcome the Boston Celtics, the powerhouse of the Eastern Conference. That vision became reality when they eliminated the reigning champions in the Eastern Conference semifinals, proving that their team was tailor-made for this challenge.
The Knicks’ Strategy Against Boston
From the start, New York crafted a roster designed for this exact challenge—defensive toughness, depth, and star power. The addition of OG Anunoby gave them an elite perimeter defender capable of neutralizing Boston’s top scorers, while Jalen Brunson cemented himself as the team’s heart and leader. Julius Randle, despite injury concerns, remained a critical piece, providing scoring and rebounding in key moments.
The Knicks’ blueprint centered on three key elements: defensive toughness, depth, and star power. Acquiring OG Anunoby added a crucial defensive presence, helping to neutralize Boston’s offensive weapons, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson emerged as a true leader, delivering clutch performances and orchestrating the offense with precision. Julius Randle, despite battling injuries, remained a vital piece with his ability to score and rebound.
In contrast to Boston’s reliance on perimeter shooting, the Knicks thrived on physicality, controlling the paint and dictating tempo. Their resilience and adaptability were critical in overcoming the Celtics, turning the series in their favor after a challenging regular season.
With Boston out of the way, New York now shifts its focus to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Having proven they can dethrone the defending champions, the question remains—can they carry that momentum all the way to the Finals?
