HOOPS

Knicks eliminate depleted Celtics

Agence France-Presse · May 18, 2025, 12:20 AM

Jalen Brunson provides the telling blows in the New York Knicks’ 119-81 crushing and ousting of defending champion Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. — NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/Agence France-Presse

NEW YORK (AFP) — The New York Knicks thrashed the Boston Celtics 119-81 to send the defending champions crashing out of the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs on Friday.

The Knicks booked their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years with a rampant display to complete a 4-2 series victory.

Six Knicks players finished in double figures, with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby leading the way with 23 points apiece.

Mikal Bridges drained four three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21. Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

The blowout win sets up a showdown against the Knicks’ arch-rivals the Indiana Pacers next week for a place in the NBA Finals.