The New York Knicks close out the series in Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. Josh Hart records a triple-double, Tatum is out, Brunson and Anunoby shine at Madison Square Garden.
After a heroic response in Game 5 that briefly reignited hopes despite Jayson Tatum’s injury, the Boston Celtics ran out of gas at Madison Square Garden. Without their star forward, Boston’s resistance lasted just one quarter. Then the New York Knicks took over completely, dominating Game 6 and punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.
A Devastating Second Quarter
Boston started with energy and determination, holding their ground against the aggressive Knicks and a roaring crowd of 19,812 fans. But it didn’t last. In the second quarter, New York unleashed a crushing 38-17 run, breaking the game wide open. Up by 27 at halftime, the Knicks never looked back. The rest of the game turned into extended garbage time, with both benches seeing plenty of minutes and even coach Tom Thibodeau giving his starters some rare rest.
Knicks’ Defense Wins the Game
The Celtics felt the weight of Tatum’s absence and Kristaps Porzingis’s limited impact (just 12 minutes and 4 points off the bench), but the real story was New York’s relentless defense. The Knicks held Boston to just 36% shooting from the field, forced 15 turnovers, and completely dominated the boards with a 55-36 rebounding advantage.
Brunson and Anunoby Shine, Towns Controls the Paint
For once, Jalen Brunson didn’t need to carry the entire load. He delivered a “standard” game by his elite standards: 23 points and 6 assists. The same point total came from a sharp OG Anunoby, while Karl-Anthony Towns took over inside, posting a dominant 21-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Hart, the Beating Heart of New York
The soul of this Knicks team, however, is once again Josh Hart. After taking a hard hit to the face in Game 5 that left him bloodied, Hart returned for Game 6 with his usual fearless attitude. He hustled, battled, dove for every loose ball, and ended the night with a remarkable triple-double: 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He’s the emotional leader of a team that refuses to quit.
Boston Bows Out, Repeat Dream Ends
For the Celtics, the season ends in bitter disappointment. Without Tatum and with a hobbled Porzingis, not even the efforts of Jaylen Brown (20 points, 8-of-20 shooting), Al Horford (10 points), and Payton Pritchard (11) could keep their hopes alive. Boston effectively waved the white flag early, as the repeat dream came crashing down.
With a fierce and unified team effort, the New York Knicks eliminate the Boston Celtics and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Josh Hart embodies New York’s heart and grit, while Boston exits the playoffs without its leader. Madison Square Garden erupts in celebration — the Big Apple is dreaming big again.
