Celtics Receive Clear 3-Word Message Before Knicks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 5, 2025 4:16 PM ET

The New York Knicks punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference semifinals after a hard-fought 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6, clinching the series 4-2. New York's win sets up a date with the defending champions Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday at TD Garden.

In Thursday's matchup, Jalen Brunson, recently named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, delivered another standout performance with 40 points, including a decisive 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining. Mikal Bridges added 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting, and OG Anunoby contributed 22 points, helping the Knicks withstand a late 20–2 Pistons run in the fourth quarter.

The Pistons were led by Cade Cunningham's 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, though he struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-8.

Jalen Duren added 21 points and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 9-of-10 attempts. Despite their efforts, Detroit extended its record to 10 consecutive home playoff losses since 2008.

Following the victory, Knicks fans expressed their enthusiasm with chants of "We want Boston," in anticipation for the upcoming series against the Celtics.

Knicks fans chanting “We want Boston” after loss to Pistons pic.twitter.com/GvQkl8bop1
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 30, 2025

The Celtics advanced after defeating the Orlando Magic in five games. Jayson Tatum led Boston with standout performances, including 37 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4, and 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in the series-clinching Game 5. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis also made significant contributions throughout the series.

The Knicks, who were winless against the Celtics in the regular season will hope to put up a fight against the defending champions.

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

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