Rivalry of New York Nicks and Boston Celtics is one of the most popular rivalry in NBA, which is immersed in history and is inspired by enthusiastic fans. In the form of two original franchises of the league, both of them were established in 1946, their conflict has shaped the Eastern conference for almost eight decades. With the fastest of 2025 NBA playoffs, against the second round, has rejected this prestigious fights, including stars like Jayson Tatum and Julius Randle. This article tells the rich history of rivalry, compared to the major players, recent demonstrations, domestic sports mobility and ways to see fans, provides refresh information and up-to-date analysis from May 8, 2025.
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| Jalen Brunson defends Jayson Tatum in Knicks-Celtics showdown. |
Rivalry in the history of NBA
Nicks and Celtics have faced 498 times each other in regular session, in which Boston holds 308-190, and 68 times in the playoff, where Celtics is ahead of 36-32. His first playoff meeting was done in the 1950-51 division semi-finals, and since then, teams have clashed in 15 postseason series, in which Boston won four out of seven all-time playoff series. In the beginning of the 1970s, the rivalry was at the peak, when Nirs led by Willis Reed and Walt Frazier, Live two NBA titles (1970, 1973), often in the Conference Final, Boston's Dave The counsel and John were confronted with John Havlicek.
In the 1980s, Larry Bird's Celtics made a dominant, in which the 1984 Eastern Conference semi-finals included seven games. Powered by Patrick Ewing in the 1990s, Nix changed the script by reversing in the first round of 3-2 in 1990. Increasingly, the rivalry is still intense, both teams are competing for domination in the Eastern Conference. Unlike last decades, where a team was often dominated by the other, the current series is a real match, in which the firmness of Nix challenges Boston's championship genealogy.
Expert opinion: NBA historian Dr. Kurtis Harris says, "Nix-Celtics rivalry is unique because it is not just about victory - it is about cultural identity. New York's perseverance vs. Boston The tradition of creates a story that is beyond basketball."
Jason Tatum vs Julius Randal: A Star-Powered Duel
In the 2025 playoff series, Jayson Tatum and Julius Randal have highlighted, which are two all-stars whose contrasting defines the identity of their teams.
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): 27-year-old Tatum’s are three-level scorers and Elite Defender, who have an average of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6 in the 2024-25 session. Against Nix in regular session, he achieved 33.5 points per game on 53.5%, including three to 47.8%. However, in the playoff game 1 of 2025, OG Anunoby limited them up to 23 points, although 16 rebound and 6 associations of Tatsam showed their all-round effect. His ability to take advantage of pick-end-roll, especially against Carl-Anthony Town, has been the main basis of Celtics.
- Julius Randal (Nix): Randle, a physical power, on average 24.0 points and 9.2 rebound lead to the invasion of New York with Brunson. While playoff statistics against the randal Boston are less free (2023-24 games per game in 18.5 points), the ability to control their leadership and paint is important. In the playoff of 2025, the mid-range game and rebounding of the randal have maintained a competitive, although he struggles against the versatile defender of Boston and Jelan Brown.
Main matchup insights: The edge of the tattam lies in its perimeter game and playoff experience, in which 117 posts are the game and 2024 NBA titles. However, the Randle are physically very good, often fouls to slow down the speed of Boston. Return of Nix 1 (108-105 in overtime) showed the clutch appearance of the randal, but the ability to adjust the tattam can be bent.
Controversy: The discussion on social media has argued on the playoff continuity of Tatum’s, some fans have argued that despite their statistics, it performs poorly on big occasions. Meanwhile, the randal is facing investigation for its efficiency against Elite Defense, critics has pointed out their 42.1% field round in 2025 playoffs.
Dominance on Celtics Nicks: 2024-25 perspective
Celtics has recently captured the Nix in regular-seasoned matches, with a difference of 15.8 points in 2024-25, ahead 4-0 ahead. Major games include:
- October 22, 2024: Boston's defeat of 132-109, NBA records with 29 three-points, in which 37 points of tats were included.
- February 8, 2025: Winning 131-104 of Celtics in Madison Square Garden, where Tatum made 40 points and Payton Pritchard added 25 points from the bench.
- April 8, 2025: 119-117 Overtime Thriller, Kristaps Porzingis was sealed by clutch three-pointer.
The success of Boston has stimely stuck in their depth, in which six players receive double digits, and the highest three-point shooting in their league (39.2% in regular session). However, Nix reversed the script in the playoff game 1 of 2025, removing a lack of 20-point, winning 108-105, whose credit of Jalen Brunson’s 29 points and Mikal Bridges games -Celling goes to steel. It was the first road game 1 playoff win since 1999, which indicates a change in the mobility of the rivalry.
Statistical edge: Celtics aggressive rating (119.2) and defensive rating (108.4) is among the top five of NBA, while the top-10 shooting of NBA (47.8%) three-point volume (28 in efforts Conflicts with the place). The ability to take advantage of Boston's mismatch, especially targeting Towns in pick-end-roll, has been a recurring subject.
Domestic Games of Nix: Madison Square Garden Factor
Madison Square Garden, the prestigious house of Nix, is a fort where the energy speed of the crowd can change. In regular session of 2024-25, Nix scored 26-17 scores on the road, but scored 25-14 scores at home, so that they got a little lead in the domestic court. However, against Celtics, New York has struggled in MSG, lost on February 8, 2025 to 131-104. MSG will be important in the upcoming game 3 (May 10, 2025) and Game 4 (May 12, 2025), because the goal of Nix is to take advantage of its enthusiastic fans.
Fan effect: Thousands of people came to MSG in MSG during the game 1, in which the video captured that electrical environment when Bridges chipped the ball from Brown. Experts estimate that the intensity of the garden can disrupt the rhythm of Boston, especially if Porzingis is limited due to illness.
Historical Note: The last home playoff on the Boston of Nix was held in 2013, when Carmelo Anthony’s was won by 90-76 games 5 by 34 points. To win the series, New York will need similar bravery performance from Brunson or Randle.
Combat Eastern Conference: In 2025, Nirs vs. Celtics
2025 Playoff Series is a subtle form of development of Eastern Conference, in which Boston's championship core will be composed of New York's new roster. Celtics (61-21, number 2 seed) is considered favorite with -9-point spread for game 2, but Nix (51-31, number 3 seed) has shown flexibility. The overtime upset of the game 1 has changed a little bit of betting, in which Boston has +280 (below -450 below) and New York to win the series.
Expert Prophecy: Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, referring to the depth of Celtics and dominating the dominance of Tatum’s, but warned, "The defensive intensity of Nix and the clutch play of Brunson It makes people more close than the thinking." On the contrary, Fred Catz of athletic believes that if Towns go ahead aggressively, then the physical capacity of New York can increase the series up to seven.
Latest news: Kristaps Porzingis disease, which made them out for the second half of the game, remains a matter of concern. Coach who did not update any updates after the game, but the potential return of Porzingis for the game 2 (7 May, 2025) can strengthen Boston's Front Court. From the side of Nix, the 29-point explosion of OG Anni in the game 1 has made a debate about their role as a defensive Stopper versus a primary scorer.
Where to see Knicks vs. Celtics
Curious fans have many options to see Nix-Celtics compete:
- TV: The game will be broadcast on TNT, TRUTV and MAX at 7:00 pm on May 7, 2025. The following games will be at ABC (Game 3) and Espn (Game 4).
- Streaming: Max offers live streaming, while Espn + and NBA League provide access access (subject to blackout restrictions). Services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV also provide TNT and ESPN.
- Radio: SiriusXM NBA Radio (Channel 86) and ESPN cover local station games like New York 98.7 FM.
- Personally: In the Madison Square Garden, the ticket for the game 3 and 4 is available through ticketmaster, which starts at $ 150 for upper level seats (up to 8 May, 2025).
Viewing Suggestions: For the best experience, see NBA.com for real-time score and highlights, especially those fans which are unable to see live due to the difference of time zone.
Knicks vs. Celtics Prophecies: What further?
By May 8, 2025, Nicks is ahead of 1-0, but Celtics is getting a chance to return to the game 2. Adjusting Boston - Convenient to limit Brunson and focusing on taking advantage of the Towns, can equal the series. However, the speed of New York indicates a Dogfite induced by the brake out and the physicality of the Randal. The result of the series can depend on whether the health of Porzingis and Knicks can sustain its defensive intensity in MSG.
Unique angle: The modern chapter of rivalry is more about historical malicious and strategic chess matches. Boston's data-driven approach (for example, targeting Towns in 134 pick-end rolls in this season) collides with the patience of the old school of New York, which makes a fascinating mix of styles.
The final prophecy: Celtics will win 4-2, but Nix will steal another game at home, so it will become the most competitive Nix-Celtics Playoff series since 1984.
Conclusion
Nix vs. Celtics Rivalry will also remain vibrant and fruitful in 2025, in which Jayson Tatum and Julius Randel lead their teams in a high-stakes Eastern Conference semi-finals Will go From his beginning in 1946 to today's star-driven matches, this is a symbol of the past and present of the NBA. Whether you are cheered in the Madison Square Garden or streaming on TNT, it promises the series drama, intensity and unforgettable moments. Stay for the game 2 and then, because Nix and Celtics will write the next chapter in my legendary fights.
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