The Boston Celtics are done with the Cleveland Cavaliers, eliminating their injury-riddled Eastern Conference opponent in five games. So now it's on to the conference finals.
The potential matchup: The dreaded New York Knicks, who, as of this writing, own a 3-2 series edge over the Indiana Pacers.
Celtics? Knicks? Conference finals? Two traditional powers that are among the NBA's largest markets? Yeah, buckle up.
And it appears Celtics fans are already planning for the Knicks. We know this because those fans stood outside TD Garden after the Game 5 victory and delivered a strong (and perhaps heartfelt) message. "F—k New York," they said in unison, as the video shows.
“Fuck New York” chants outside of TD Garden last night
Knicks/Celtics may cause Civil Warpic.twitter.com/6MlZ4VjRZ5
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 16, 2024
Boston finished with an NBA-best record of 64-18 and went 4-1 vs. New York. The Celtis also beat each of their first two playoff opponents by a 4-1 series count.
So, there's reason for Celtics fans to feel plenty confident. The Knicks are also plenty banged up — missing injured power forward Julius Randle, center Mitchell Robinson and forward OG Anunoby. It seems as if the only one who may return in Anunoby.
Meanwhile, the Celtics eliminated the Cavs without starting forward Kristaps Porzingis, out with a calf strain. Word is, he could return for the East finals.
Granted, the Knicks have yet to finish off the Pacers. They are certainly capable of losing two in a row — though it's hard to see All-Everything point guard Jalen Brunson allowing it to happen.
So let's say the Knicks do win. Games 1 and 2 of the conference finals would be in Boston. And from the sounds of things, Celtics fans will indeed be waiting for them.
