The New York Knicks crushed the defending champion Boston Celtics 119–81 in Game 6, securing their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1999. Dominating on both ends, the Knicks held Boston to just 51 points through nearly three quarters and showcased their strongest defensive effort of the season.

Mitchell Robinson, despite limited minutes, was a defensive game-changer. The Knicks were +20 with him on the floor, and he delivered a signature stop on Jaylen Brown in transition. Josh Hart added his first playoff triple-double, and six Knicks scored in double figures. Jalen Brunson led with 23 points, supported by big contributions from OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks outscored Boston by 36 in the paint and 12 at the free throw line.

The Celtics were already limited by Kristaps Porziņģis, who played only briefly in the series due to illness, and then lost Jayson Tatum to a season-ending Achilles injury – severely weakening their title defense. With rising costs and looming contract extensions, tough offseason decisions await Boston. As Jaylen Brown put it: “Losing to the Knicks feels like death… but there’s life after death.”