Exultant Knicks devotees celebrate social media triumph following historic annihilation of Celtics team.
Rewritten Article:
The New York Knicks crushed any hopes of a 3-1 comeback from the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their second-round matchup, securing a victory at home on Friday night. The Knicks didn't give the Celtics a fighting chance; they pulverized them, and the game was all but over by halftime, leaving the Celtics trailing by a whopping 27 points, ultimately losing 119-81. This emphatic win secured the Knicks a place in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Had the Knicks lost Game 6, they would have faced immense pressure, especially since a do-or-die game back in Boston could have gone either way, even with Jayson Tatum out injured. Instead, the Knicks took control of the game, leaving no doubt about the outcome. Notably, they set a new franchise record for the biggest margin of victory (38) in a single playoff game, surpassing their previous record of 36, set 55 years ago (according to Josh Dubow of Associated Press).
Knicks fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, as their team hasn't been to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. Unsurprisingly, their fans took to social media to express their joy.
"Haven't seen the Knicks in the ECF since I was 7 years old," @matty_dukes posted.
"My buddy and I were literally shouting and celebrating at a bar for hours, just to go skateboarding till 1 am talking about how we IN THE ECF. Let's go Knicks!" @ShaqJesusFGC added.
"Spree, Houston, LJ, and a hobbled Ewing had me dreaming when I was a kid, and now the Knicks have finally made it to the ECF after 25 long years. Wooohooo let's go Knickerbockers!" @barry211 continued.
"New York really back 🗽😭💪 KNICKS in the ECF >> not being in the ECF since 2000 is wilddd," @hulkgettinpaid stated.
The Knicks' Battle with the Pacers
The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers has deep roots dating back to the 1990s. Fittingly, it's the Pacers who now stand in the Knicks' path in the deep playoffs.
Back in 2000, it was the Pacers that the Knicks faced in the Eastern Conference Finals, with the latter being eliminated by the former in six games. Last year, it was also the Pacers that ended the Knicks' deepest playoff run in 24 years. So, getting revenge against the Pacers would be doubly sweet for the Knicks.
Enrichment Data:In case you're intrigued, here are some key moments and context regarding the rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers:
Key Moments:1. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Knicks and Pacers had a notable rivalry. Their playoff series were often intense, with many series going the distance, such as the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals.2. The 1999-2000 season marked the height of their competitive history, as it was the year when the Knicks last made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and faced the Pacers.3. In 2024, the Knicks faced the Pacers in a seven-game series, which they lost. This recent history underscores the ongoing competitive nature of their playoff matchups.4. The upcoming matchup in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals will be another significant chapter in their storied rivalry, marking the Knicks' first return to the conference finals since the 1999-2000 season.
Context:1. Historical Significance: While not as pronounced as some other NBA rivalries, the Knicks-Pacers rivalry has been marked by intense playoff series over the years, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s.2. Coaching and Player Connections: The current Knicks team, led by Tom Thibodeau, has connections to the past, such as Rick Brunson, who played for the Knicks during their last conference finals run and is now an assistant coach. His son, Jalen Brunson, is a key player for the Knicks.3. Playoff History: The Knicks and Pacers have a rich playoff history, with several series going to the final game, showcasing the competitive nature of their matchups.
The Knicks' upcoming clash against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals is set to be a significant chapter in their deep-rooted rivalry, dating back to the 1990s. Remarkably, it was the Pacers who ended the Knicks' playoff run in both 2000 and the previous year, making victory this time around doubly sweet for the New York team.
