Ed Welch
The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics have one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the NBA. Dating back to 1946, when both franchises were part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), their battles have spanned decades of basketball evolution, iconic players, and unforgettable moments.
And tonight, that rivalry adds another chapter with Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks are -2.5 (-110) favorites, looking to close out the series they currently lead 3-2.
📚 A Rivalry Built Over Generations
While the Celtics have dominated much of NBA history with 17 championships, the Knicks have played the underdog and disruptor. The rivalry has surged during key eras:
1973 Eastern Conference Finals: The Knicks, led by Walt Frazier and Willis Reed, defeated Boston 4-1 en route to their second NBA title.
1984 First Round: A bruising series where Larry Bird’s Celtics outlasted Bernard King’s Knicks in a classic Game 7 battle.
2013 Playoffs: The Knicks finally got the best of Boston, winning the series 4-2. It marked their first playoff series win since 2000.
Overall, the two teams have met 61 times in the playoffs, with Boston holding the edge historically. But the Knicks are rewriting the script.
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🔥 Dramatic Moments in the Rivalry
The 1972 “Willis Reed Ejection Game” saw Reed thrown out early, only for the Knicks to rally and stun Boston.
1990s Showdowns with Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley delivering hard-nosed basketball against the likes of Reggie Lewis and Rick Fox.
2021 Regular Season Opener: A double-OT thriller at MSG where the Knicks won 138–134, setting the tone for a revitalized rivalry.
🏀 Game 6: May 16, 2025 – Tip-Off at 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Tonight’s matchup is everything Knicks fans have been waiting for. A chance to eliminate Boston on home court and reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks are listed as -2.5 (-110) favorites, a nod to their momentum and strong Garden crowd.
Led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, New York’s physical defense and clutch shooting have been too much for the Celtics so far.
But Boston is no stranger to big moments. Jayson Tatum (If available to play) and Jaylen Brown will bring playoff urgency, knowing a loss sends them home.
If they catch fire from beyond the arc, this game could go down to the final possession.
First 5 for tonight ⤵️@DraftKings pic.twitter.com/TWPYt55TQ4
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 16, 2025
📈 Will the Knicks Close It Out?
If New York wins tonight, it will mark their first trip to the Conference Finals since 2000, a monumental shift for a franchise trying to restore its glory. It would be a massive statement—beating their oldest rival and showing the league that Knicks basketball is back.
📊 All-Time Playoff Series Record
Total Meeting: 10 playoff series Boston Leads: 7–3, Last Knicks Playoff Series Win vs. Boston: 2013 (4–2)
Last Celtics Series Win: 2011 (4–0)
🏟️ What to Watch Tonight
Can the Knicks contain Jalen without fouling?
Will the Celtics go small to match New York’s pace?
Will MSG explode in celebration or brace for Game 7?
Either way, the hardwood drama continues.
🎥 Watch Curry’s best highlights here!
| Title: Knicks vs. Celtics: A Classic Rivalry with Everything on the Line Tonight
| Author: Michael Rinnier
| Date: May 16th, 2025
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