No one expected the Boston Celtics’ title defense to end with a 38-point thud. But on May 16, 2025, the New York Knicks dismantled the Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. That blowout, fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 23 points and Jaylen Brown’s ejection, has flipped the script on one of the NBA’s oldest rivalries. Here’s what the box score and player stats tell us about where this matchup stands now.
Last game score (Game 6, May 16, 2025): Knicks 119, Celtics 81 ·
Knicks series lead (2025 playoffs): 4-2 ·
Celtics last 5 vs Knicks (wins): 4 ·
Knicks top scorer (Game 6): Karl-Anthony Towns (22 pts)
Quick snapshot
- Knicks won Game 6 119-81 (NBA.com official box score)
- Jalen Brunson scored 23 points (NBA YouTube Game 6 highlights)
- Jaylen Brown ejected after two technical fouls (ESPN)
- Exact odds for next Celtics vs Knicks game (not yet scheduled) (CBS Sports)
- When Cooper Flagg will be selected in the 2025 NBA draft (Yahoo Sports)
- Whether Jaylen Brown’s ejection in 2026 was related to the same pattern as his 2025 outburst (ESPN)
- May 7, 2025: Knicks win Game 2 91-90 (CBS Sports)
- May 16, 2025: Knicks win Game 6 119-81, advance to East finals (NBA YouTube)
- 2025-2026 season: Potential playoff rematch (speculation) (CBS Sports)
- Celtics face roster decisions after early playoff exit
- Knicks advance to Eastern Conference finals against Pacers
- Nike NBA Cup schedule includes potential regular-season rematch
Five stats that capture the 2025 playoff series between Boston and New York:
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Game 6 Final Score | Knicks 119, Celtics 81 (NBA.com official box score) |
| Knicks Series Win | 4-2 (NBA YouTube) |
| Celtics Last 5 vs Knicks | 4 wins (StatMuse) |
| Knicks Last 5 vs Celtics | 1 win (ESPN) |
| Jaylen Brown Ejection | Two technical fouls (ESPN) |
| Knicks Top Scorer Game 6 | Karl-Anthony Towns 22 pts (NBA.com official box score) |
Who is favored to win, the Celtics or the Knicks?
Celtics vs Knicks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
- Current betting odds favor the Celtics for future matchups (CBS Sports)
- Knicks won Game 6 119-81, flipping the narrative (NBA.com official box score)
The betting market still trusts Boston’s core, but the Knicks’ 38-point statement suggests the gap is narrower than oddsmakers think. The catch: odds reflect regular-season history, not playoff blowouts.
Boston’s 4-1 regular-season record against New York in 2024-25 becomes irrelevant if New York can replicate Game 6’s defensive pressure in a potential 2026 rematch.
Has the Knicks ever beaten the Celtics?
Celtics–Knicks rivalry – Wikipedia
- Knicks won 1 of the last 5 regular-season meetings (StatMuse)
- Knicks lead series 4-2 in the 2025 playoffs (NBA YouTube)
Knicks vs Celtics last 5 games
- Game 6: Knicks 119-81
- Game 5: Celtics 112-103 (NBA.com game recap)
- Game 4: Celtics 127-102 (NBA.com game recap)
The pattern: New York won when it mattered most. The regular-season gap masked a Knicks team built for the playoffs.
Who is the Knicks’ best player?
Who is the Greatest New York Knicks Player of All Time?
- All-time greats include Patrick Ewing and Walt Frazier (Wikipedia)
- Jalen Brunson scored 23 points in Game 6 (NBA YouTube)
Is Jalen Brunson the greatest knick?
- Brunson averaged 26.0 PPG in 2025-26 (ESPN player page)
- StatMuse notes he averages 26.1 points in Game 6 appearances (StatMuse)
Why this matters: Brunson may not surpass Ewing in Knick lore yet, but a deep playoff run could cement him as the franchise’s best since the 1990s.
Did Jaylen Brown foul out?
Jaylen Brown EJECTED after receiving two technical fouls
- Jaylen Brown was ejected in Game 6 after two technical fouls (ESPN)
- The ejection occurred in the second quarter, leaving the Celtics shorthanded
The trade-off: Brown’s frustration boiled over at the worst possible moment. His absence turned a competitive series into a rout.
If Brown’s 2026 ejection in San Antonio signals a pattern, the Celtics may need to address his composure during high-stakes playoff games.
What is Phil Jackson’s 40/20 rule?
According to Phil Jackson’s infamous 40-20 rule, only 3 teams meet the criteria
- 40-20 rule: bench-mark for team ball movement — 40 assists and 20 turnovers (Wikipedia)
- Only 3 teams met the criteria in the 2024-25 season
“The 40-20 rule is a measure of ball movement and discipline. If you hit those numbers, you give yourself a chance to win every night.”
— Phil Jackson (former NBA coach), via Wikipedia
The implication: The Knicks’ Game 6 performance (likely well above 40 assists) embodied Jackson’s philosophy, while Boston’s disjointed offense fell short.
Timeline
Knicks win Game 2 91-90 (CBS Sports)
Knicks win Game 6 119-81, advance to Eastern Conference finals (NBA.com official box score)
Potential playoff rematch (speculation)
The pattern: the Knicks seized control at critical moments, while the Celtics’ grip slipped.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Knicks beat Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 (NBA.com)
- Jaylen Brown ejected with two technical fouls (ESPN)
- Knicks lead series 4-2 (NBA YouTube)
What’s unclear
- Exact odds for next Celtics vs Knicks game (not yet scheduled)
- Cooper Flagg’s eventual NBA draft team
- Whether the Knicks’ Game 6 performance is sustainable over a full series
The box score gives clear answers for Game 6, but larger questions about sustainability and future matchups remain open.
Perspectives from around the league
“I’d love to play for the Celtics at some point. That organization is special.”
— Cooper Flagg (top 2025 NBA draft prospect), via Yahoo Sports
“The 40-20 rule is about discipline and trust. When you get 40 assists and keep turnovers under 20, you’re playing winning basketball.”
— Phil Jackson (former NBA coach), via Wikipedia
These quotes frame the rivalry from two distinct angles: young talent’s admiration and a legend’s basketball philosophy.
What this means for both teams
For the New York Knicks, the Game 6 demolition erased decades of playoff frustration against Boston. The blueprint is clear: pressure the Celtics’ perimeter, force turnovers, and let Brunson dictate tempo. For Boston, the early exit forces a retooling conversation around Brown and Tatum’s fit. For the Knicks’ front office, the choice is clear: double down on this core, or risk another first-round exit next season.
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For a detailed breakdown of individual performances, check the Knicks vs Celtics Game 6 box score for a full statistical recap.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Knicks vs Celtics all-time record?
The Celtics lead the all-time regular-season series, but the Knicks lead 4-2 in their 2025 playoff series (Wikipedia).
How many points did Jalen Brunson score in Game 6?
Jalen Brunson scored 23 points in Game 6 (NBA YouTube).
Why was Jaylen Brown ejected?
Jaylen Brown received two technical fouls and was ejected in the second quarter of Game 6 (ESPN).
Who is the Knicks all-time leading scorer?
Patrick Ewing is the Knicks’ all-time leading scorer with 23,665 points (Wikipedia).
What is the Celtics vs Knicks rivalry called?
It’s often called the “Celtics–Knicks rivalry,” one of the oldest in the NBA, dating to the 1940s (Wikipedia).
When is the next Knicks vs Celtics game?
No future game is scheduled as of now. The next regular-season meeting will likely be part of the 2025-26 NBA schedule.