The Celtics vs Knicks match player stats from the most recent playoff clash have drawn massive attention across the basketball community. Played on May 16, 2025, at the legendary Madison Square Garden, the Knicks dominated the Boston Celtics with a decisive 119–81 victory. This victory not only sealed the Eastern Conference Semifinals series 4–2 in favor of the Knicks but also showcased some remarkable individual performances and game-defining stats. With both teams featuring star-studded rosters and high expectations, this matchup delivered drama, tactical battles, and a statistical story that will be analyzed for weeks to come.
Quick Match Recap: Knicks Close Out the Celtics
The game began with high intensity, but it was the Knicks who quickly took control, particularly in the second quarter where they outscored Boston 38–17. By halftime, New York had built a comfortable lead and never looked back. Missing their star forward Jayson Tatum, who had been sidelined since Game 4 with an Achilles issue, the Celtics simply lacked the firepower and consistency to compete against a fully engaged Knicks squad.
The box score tells the story: OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson each poured in 23 points, Mikal Bridges added 22, Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Josh Hart recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. For Boston, Jaylen Brown led with 20 points, but his effort wasn’t enough to overcome a balanced Knicks attack. The team shooting splits were glaring—Knicks shot 46.2% from the field compared to Boston’s 36.0%, and New York controlled the boards 55–36, underscoring their dominance.
Knicks Stars Shine in Every Department
One of the defining aspects of the Knicks’ victory was how multiple players stepped up simultaneously. The celtics vs knicks match player stats highlight the team-oriented nature of New York’s performance.
- Jalen Brunson once again proved why he’s the heartbeat of the Knicks. His 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists came at critical moments, especially during New York’s explosive second quarter. Brunson’s ability to break down defenses and find shooters kept Boston’s backcourt on the defensive all night.
- OG Anunoby was a force at both ends of the floor. He matched Brunson’s 23 points, pulled down 9 rebounds, and played lock-down defense, limiting Boston’s perimeter efficiency. His versatility has been one of New York’s biggest weapons throughout the series.
- Mikal Bridges delivered efficient perimeter scoring with 22 points, including four three-pointers. Every time the Celtics attempted a small run, Bridges seemed to answer with a timely bucket.
- Karl-Anthony Towns dominated inside with 21 points and 12 rebounds. His presence in the paint created second-chance opportunities and prevented Boston from finding rhythm offensively.
- Josh Hart was the ultimate glue guy, achieving a rare playoff triple-double. His 10 points, 11 boards, and 11 assists showcased his ability to impact the game without needing to score heavily. Hart’s hustle plays, extra passes, and rebounding were pivotal in controlling the tempo.
Together, this combination of star performances paints a picture of balance, resilience, and depth—something Boston simply could not match in this elimination game.
Celtics Struggle Without Tatum
On the other side of the court, the celtics vs knicks match player stats reveal the stark contrast between the two teams. Boston entered the matchup under pressure, already missing Jayson Tatum due to injury, and it showed in their offensive execution.
- Jaylen Brown carried the scoring load with 20 points on 8-for-20 shooting. While his aggression was evident, the lack of spacing and secondary scoring threats allowed the Knicks to key in defensively.
- Derrick White, who had exploded for 34 points in Game 5, was held to just 8 points in this decisive Game 6. New York’s defensive adjustments ensured that he was unable to find clean looks from beyond the arc.
- Kristaps Porzingis played limited minutes off the bench, contributing little impact against his former team. His reduced role further highlighted Boston’s lack of interior presence.
- Al Horford and Jrue Holiday, both veterans with championship experience, struggled to make a meaningful difference. Horford battled on the glass but couldn’t keep up with Towns’ activity, while Holiday had difficulty creating shots against New York’s stifling defense.
Overall, Boston’s shooting woes (just 30% from three-point range) and rebounding disadvantage (-19) crippled any chance of a comeback. The absence of Tatum not only reduced scoring options but also left a leadership vacuum on the floor.
Statistical Breakdown: Team Comparisons
When looking closely at the celtics vs knicks match player stats, the team-wide differences are glaring:
- Field Goal Percentage: Knicks 46.2% vs Celtics 36.0%
- Three-Point Shooting: Knicks 35.6% vs Celtics 30.0%
- Free Throws: Knicks 90.5% vs Celtics 70.0%
- Rebounds: Knicks 55 vs Celtics 36
- Turnovers: Knicks 14 vs Celtics 16
These numbers highlight not just shooting efficiency but also control of possession and second-chance opportunities. The Knicks’ dominance on the glass ensured extra scoring chances, while Boston’s cold shooting dug them into a hole they couldn’t climb out of.
Key Turning Point: The Second Quarter Surge
While the Knicks outperformed Boston throughout the game, the second quarter was the definitive turning point. Outscoring the Celtics 38–17, New York effectively put the contest out of reach by halftime. The energy inside Madison Square Garden was electric as every Knicks basket was met with thunderous applause.
This run was powered by efficient scoring from Brunson and Bridges, coupled with relentless rebounding by Towns and Hart. Boston, meanwhile, missed several open looks and committed costly turnovers. By the end of the quarter, the Knicks had established a double-digit cushion that ballooned into a 30-point margin by the final buzzer.
Advanced Metrics: Deeper Dive Into the Stats
For basketball fans who appreciate the numbers beyond the box score, advanced metrics from the celtics vs knicks match player stats offer even greater insight:
- Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): Knicks 51.7%, Celtics 39.5%
- True Shooting Percentage (TS%): Knicks 57.8%, Celtics 43.6%
- Offensive Rebound Percentage (ORB%): Knicks 31.2%, Celtics 18.5%
- Defensive Rating: Knicks 95.0, Celtics 120.3
These figures illustrate how the Knicks not only shot better but also created and prevented opportunities with their rebounding and defensive intensity. Hart’s presence boosted New York’s ORB%, while Anunoby and Bridges limited Boston’s perimeter efficiency.
Previous Game Context: Why This Win Was Significant
Heading into Game 6, momentum seemed to swing back toward Boston after a 127–102 victory in Game 5, where Derrick White dropped 34 points and Jaylen Brown added 26. That win gave the Celtics hope of forcing a Game 7. However, the Knicks quickly slammed the door shut in Game 6 by returning to their physical defensive identity and regaining control of the glass.
In Game 4, New York had already shown their ability to dominate at home, winning 121–113, during which Tatum’s injury became a pivotal series-altering moment. By the time Game 6 rolled around, the Celtics simply lacked the depth to mount another upset.
Series Summary: Knicks Advance to the Conference Finals
With the win, the Knicks clinched the series 4–2 and punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their balance, depth, and defensive versatility proved to be too much for Boston, especially in Tatum’s absence. The celtics vs knicks match player stats across all six games reveal the story of a Knicks team that grew stronger as the series progressed while Boston faded under the weight of injuries and inconsistent shooting.
Key Takeaways From the Game
- The Knicks’ rebounding advantage (+19) was decisive.
- Josh Hart’s triple-double symbolized the team-first approach that fueled New York’s win.
- Boston’s shooting struggles and Tatum’s absence crippled their offense.
- New York’s balanced scoring attack highlighted their championship potential heading into the next round.
Conclusion
The celtics vs knicks match player stats from this high-stakes Game 6 highlight the contrasting fortunes of two iconic franchises. For the Knicks, this was a night of triumph defined by teamwork, balance, and resilience. For the Celtics, it was a sobering reminder of how injuries and inconsistency can derail even the most talented squads.
As the Knicks move forward in the playoffs, their ability to replicate this blend of star power and depth will determine their ultimate ceiling. For Boston, the offseason will be about regrouping, reinforcing their roster, and ensuring a healthier run next year.
One thing is certain: fans and analysts alike will be studying these celtics vs knicks match player stats as both a lesson in playoff basketball and a milestone in this historic rivalry.
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