Knicks beat Celtics in Game 6, set up East Finals showdown against Pacers.

 The Knicks beat the Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 and will face the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson (left) passes Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown (7).

After years of irrelevance and ineffectiveness, the New York Knicks have finally had their chance to shine, and it comes at a time when no one saw it coming.

They were underdogs when they started the series against the reigning NBA champions (the Boston Celtics), but with their win in Game 6 tonight, the Knicks officially secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.

The opening match of the New York Knicks vs. the Celtics reached a huge audience

Four starters scored in double figures for New York, including Jalen Brunson (23 points), Mikal Bridges (22 points), Ozzie Annunaki (23 points), and Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points). They held the Celtics to 81 points on just 36.0% shooting and held Jaylen Brown to just 20 points on 40.0% shooting.

Boston Celtics' Juru Holiday (4) defends New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson (11).

As the Knicks surged forward in the second half, Madison Square Garden was filled with fans who erupted in celebration. Not only did New York advance to the conference finals, but they also completely dominated the Celtics for their biggest playoff win to date (119-81, 38 points).

• "I can't believe what I'm seeing," one shocked fan wrote. "The Knicks are going to the Eastern Conference Finals."

Overall, fans are still shocked to see the Knicks dominate like this, but most can agree that they proved something in the series. They're no longer the laughing stock of the league, and now they could be one of the last teams in the NBA playoffs.

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson (11) gestures to fans.

"If you're not a Knicks fan, you don't understand. We all go through a lot in our personal lives," one Knicks fan wrote in an emotional post. "Seeing the Knicks play like this gives us a sense of peace and joy, a release from everything. This win, reaching the ECF, means a lot to all of us."

New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives toward the basket.

There was a sense of joy in Madison Square Garden, and the internet was filled with pictures of happy Knicks fans from around the world. While a few Celtics injuries held them back, the Knicks deserve credit for ending the series with two amazing comebacks early in the series and then a devastating blow in Game 6.

• "Congratulations to the Knicks. Awesome series," wrote Keith Smith. "Took control with two comebacks and pushed Boston out of the game tonight. Looking forward to Knicks-Pacers. Should be a fun series."

Looking ahead, the Eastern Conference Finals will be a tough matchup. Tyrese Halliburton and the Indiana Pacers are already looking forward to it, and they are ready to face the Knicks in their toughest challenge yet.

👉6 Highlights from the Full Game of Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

"Pacers vs. Knicks is going to be a fight," wrote one fan on X.. "A true 50/50 series with a great history, both long and short term. Indy's momentum is picking up for me, but the Knicks are in the groove."

Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown (7) battles for control of the ball with New York Knicks' Josh Hart (3).

The New York Knicks may not have an A-tier superstar like Nikola Jokic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Still, they have depth and versatility at every position with established All-Stars like Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges.

• "Most importantly, head coach Tom Thibodeau is playing the right brand of basketball with a team that is committed to keeping everyone involved and locked down on both ends of the floor."

After winning 52 regular-season games, no one expected the Knicks to beat the Celtics, but they have truly overcome the odds and are now on course for one of their best seasons in franchise history.

👉The Knicks defeated the Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 and will face the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.