Jalen Brunson, Knicks Reach ECF for 1st Time in 25 Years, Wow Fans in Upset of Celtics
Jalen Brunson powered the New York Knicks to a lopsided 119-81 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their second-round playoff series on Friday night.
The Knicks clinched a 4-2 series victory, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
New York only led by six points at the end of the first quarter, but gained separation over the Celtics by outscoring them 38-17 in the second.
The Knicks didn't let up after halftime, leading by as many as 41 points while they cruised to the win at Madison Square Garden.
Brunson finished with 23 points, six rebounds and six assists while shooting 8-of-14 from the field.
Fans and pundits were amazed by the performance from the star point guard as well as the Knicks.
Four of the Knicks' five starters finished with at least 21 points. Josh Hart was the only one that didn't, but he recorded a triple-double by scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to go along with his 11 assists.
The Celtics secured a Game 5 win despite superstar Jayson Tatum suffering a torn Achilles in Game 4, although they weren't able to keep up with New York on Friday.
Jaylen Brown scored 20 points on 8-of-20 shooting, but no other member of Boston's rotation racked up more than 11 points. The Celtics' championship defense officially came to an end.
The Knicks will now face off against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
