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Abdul Carter Picks Favorite NBA Team After Knicks-Celtics Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated May 17, 2025 10:36 AM ET

New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter paid close attention to his NBA neighbors, the New York Knicks, during their second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.

While the Knicks battled it out with the defending NBA champions, Carter watched them and gave them their flowers after they took a 2-0 series lead following two 20-point comebacks at TD Garden.

"Being up 2-0 right now versus the Celtics, the champions...they're on a really good run," Carter said on May 9. "I'm starting to become a fan."

The rookie pass rusher has strong ties with Philadelphia, the city where he was born. Even after entering the NFL as the No. 3 overall pick, Carter said he would embrace New York and give it his all despite his Philly roots.

The Knicks series proved that, as Carter was really invested in the matchup. With New York closing the deal with a blowout 119-81 win on Friday, the linebacker finally made up his mind about his NBA allegiance.

Even before the Knicks won the series 4-1, Carter took to X to make a statement. He confirmed his fanaticism with a four-word message.

Officially a Knicks fan! #Knicksin5
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) May 17, 2025

The Knicks returned to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. They lost to the Indiana Pacers at that time, their opponents in this year's series.

Jalen Brunson has established himself as one of the top guards in the league with this playoff run, but he'll go against another player who elevated his game in the postseason: Tyrese Haliburton.

Knicks fans are over the moon after taking out the Celtics. Carter might celebrate a potential NBA Finals appearance and a title in his first months as a New York Giant and Knicks fan, but time will tell how far this team can go next.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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