The New York Knicks’ 119-81 domination of the Boston Celtics clinched their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, setting up a playoff rematch from last season with the Indiana pacers.
As the city buzzed with excitement following the victory of the defending champs, the streets of Manhattan expectedly became chaotic.
With heavy anticipation for the next series, Knicks supporters were seen mobbing a Pacers fan wearing a Tyrese Haliburton jersey outside of Madison Square Garden last night.
Knicks fans jumped and mobbed a Pacers fan after winning then matchup against the Pacers in the Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/CT8MlVlODs
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) May 17, 2025
The video posted on X shows a Pacers fan being mobbed by New Yorkers and pelted with trash bags.
“Knicks fans wildin' as usual, love to see the passion,” one user wrote on X.
“This super corny man,” a fan said.
“Why do Knicks fans act like they lost even when they win,” someone said in response to the video.
New York’s victory, which was fueled by starters Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns, was easily the most impressive game from the Knicks this postseason.
For the first time since 1972, the Knicks had four players score at least 20 points in a playoff game. Josh Hart and Miles Mcbride each contributed 10 points as well, making it a total of six players who scored double digits in the closeout game.
The feistiness reflects the passion that many north east fan bases carry, but many think they went overboard.
This view of Knicks fans.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 17, 2025
NYC is truly one of a kind
(via @andruyeung)
pic.twitter.com/EWpD1zIodi
The violence overshadows what is going to be an epic matchup to decide who goes to the NBA Finals. The Knicks went 2-1 over the Pacers during the regular season, with the most recent matchup taking place on February 11 so, it’s been a while.
During last year’s postseason matchup, Indiana was victorious through seven games, but the Knicks were depleted. Julius Randle missed the entire series, Brunson broke his hand in game 7, and OG Anunoby missed four games.
The stakes are higher this time around and with the fans already going at it, this is a series everyone should be tapped into.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!