NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal reaches out to New York Knicks players before playoff clash against Boston Celtics.
New York Knicks fans, brace yourselves! Ex-NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal has dropped a reality bomb on the team, reminding them they'll be going head-to-head with the formidable Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The green monster put up a heck of a fight to make it to this round, eliminating the Detroit Pistons in dramatic fashion when Jalen Brunson hit a game-winning three in Game 6 on Thursday. Now, the Knicks are the next target, but TNT's commentator isn't entirely down on the underdogs. What they need is nothing short of stellar performances, especially from the likes of Brunson and a well-coordinated team effort.
According to O'Neal, if Brunson can put up Cinderella-like numbers like his 40-point game in their series-clinching win against the Pistons, they might just stand a chance against the champs. But it'll take much more than skillful shooting – support from Anunoby, Towns, and Hart will be essential to cause an upset.
In their recent game against the Pistons, the Knicks gave us a glimpse of just how impressive their team effort can be. All starters scored in double figures, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart both putting up double-doubles. Their heroes of the night, Brunson included, weren't immaculate, but they displayed the grit and determination that could prove crucial in the upcoming matchups.
Remember, though, Boston's a powerful opponent, with a 4-0 record against the Knicks in the 2024-25 season. But don't count New York out yet. O'Neal suggested that their physical playing style and mental resilience could help turn the tables in their favor, especially after the grueling first-round series against Detroit.
Oh, and if Brunson's performance against the Pistons is any indication, the Knicks might just have a hidden ace up their sleeve. His playoff performance reached Michael Jordan territory, making history as the first player to score 40+ points and dish out 5+ assists in a game-clinching road win.
Now, all eyes are on the Knicks as they face the Celtics on Monday. Will they pull off a miracle, or will the tunnel of famed Celtics fans spell goodnight for New York? Stay tuned, because this semifinals matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown.
The Knicks have a challenging matchup ahead against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but TNT's commentator isn't completely discounting the underdogs. Jalen Brunson's playoff performance, reminiscent of Michael Jordan, could act as a hidden ace for the Knicks. Despite Boston's 4-0 record against the Knicks in the 2024-25 season, their physical playing style and mental resilience offer hope for an upset. Shaq O'Neal suggests that stellar performances from Brunson and a well-coordinated team effort, including support from Anunoby, Towns, and Hart, could help the Knicks make history.
