New York Knicks beat Boston Celtics 119-81, advance to the ECF: 25 years in the making

The New York Knicks moved on to the Eastern Conference Finals by beating the Boston Celtics 119-81. They made it look easier than anyone could have expected. 

New York’s defensive intensity set the tone for the game, as they held Boston to 20 points or less in each of the first three quarters. The Knicks’ offense exploded in the second quarter, with everyone contributing to a 27-point lead at halftime.

The second half felt like a formality, as New York never took their foot off the gas. The lead ballooned past 40 for stretches, and the starters got to call it an early night. The Knicks move on to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they’ll face a familiar foe, the Indiana Pacers. 

Let’s look at the victory through each key contributor.