Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats

The Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats have one of the most storied rivalries in the NBA, and their 2025 playoff series was no exception. Fans of both teams were treated to a thrilling Eastern Conference semifinal that showcased elite talent, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from this epic series, focusing on key performances, standout moments, and what the numbers tell us about this intense matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard Knicks fan, a Celtics supporter, or just a basketball enthusiast, this easy-to-read guide will give you a clear picture of how the players shaped the outcome of this series.

The Context: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats in the 2025 Playoffs

The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference semifinals pitted the third-seeded New York Knicks against the defending champion Boston Celtics. This series was a clash of titans, with the Knicks aiming to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 and the Celtics fighting to defend their title. Despite Boston’s regular-season dominance (they went 4-0 against the Knicks in the 2024-25 regular season), the Knicks showed resilience, culminating in a 4-2 series victory, capped by a dominant 119-81 win in Game 6.

The series was marked by high-octane offense, stifling defense, and a significant injury to Boston’s star player, Jayson Tatum, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4. Let’s dive into the player stats that defined this series, with a focus on the key contributors from both teams.

Knicks’ Key Performers: Stats That Stole the Show

The Knicks’ success in this series was driven by a balanced attack, with multiple players stepping up at critical moments. Here’s a look at the standout performers and their stats, game by game.

Jalen Brunson: The Clutch Leader

Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ All-Star point guard, was the heartbeat of the team. Known for his clutch performances, Brunson delivered consistently throughout the series. His ability to score efficiently, facilitate the offense, and stay composed under pressure was evident in every game.

• Game 1 (108-105 Knicks win, OT): Brunson dropped 39 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field, with 6 assists and 6 rebounds. His late-game heroics, including a key jumper in overtime, set the tone for the series.

• Game 5 (127-102 Celtics win): Despite fouling out early in the fourth quarter, Brunson still managed 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting. His efficiency took a hit due to Boston’s defensive pressure, but he remained a focal point.

• Game 6 (119-81 Knicks win): Brunson shone with 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding 6 assists and 6 rebounds. His ability to get teammates involved early was crucial in the Knicks’ blowout victory.

Series Averages: 24.5 points, 5.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 42% field goal percentage, 35% from three.

Brunson’s leadership and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him the Knicks’ MVP of the series. His knack for hitting big shots and involving teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby was a game-changer.

Karl-Anthony Towns: The Dominant Big Man

Karl-Anthony Towns, acquired by the Knicks to bolster their frontcourt, proved his worth in this series. His scoring and rebounding were critical, especially in the paint against Boston’s bigs like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.

• Game 1: Towns contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his ability to dominate the glass and score inside.

• Game 6: Towns led the Knicks with 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds, anchoring the team’s interior defense and offense.

Series Averages: 20.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 48% field goal percentage.

Towns’ aggression from the outset was a key factor in the Knicks’ ability to control the paint and secure second-chance points, especially in their dominant Game 6 performance.

Josh Hart: The Triple-Double Machine

Josh Hart made history in Game 6, recording the Knicks’ first playoff triple-double since Walt Frazier in 1972. His hustle, versatility, and all-around play were instrumental in New York’s success.

• Game 5: Hart led the Knicks with 24 points, despite a brief exit due to a bloody gash over his eye. His tenacity kept New York in the game, even in a tough loss.

• Game 6: Hart’s triple-double (10 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds) was a highlight of the series. His chasedown block on Derrick White in the third quarter sparked a 13-3 run that blew the game open.

Series Averages: 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.5 steals.

Hart’s energy and ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him a fan favorite and a critical piece of the Knicks’ playoff puzzle.

OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges: The Two-Way Stars

OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges brought elite defense and timely scoring to the Knicks’ lineup. Their ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively was vital.

• Anunoby:

  • Game 1: Scored 18 points, including a crucial slam in overtime.

  • Game 6: Dropped 23 points, tying Brunson for the team lead, and played lockdown defense on Jaylen Brown.

  • Series Averages: 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 44% field goal percentage.

• Bridges:

  • Game 4 (121-113 Knicks win): Scored 22 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter.

  • Game 6: Added 22 points and was instrumental in limiting Boston’s perimeter scoring.

  • Series Averages: 15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 41% field goal percentage.

Both players’ defensive versatility and ability to hit big shots helped the Knicks overcome Boston’s high-powered offense.

Celtics’ Key Performers: Fighting Through Adversity

The Celtics entered the series as favorites, but Jayson Tatum’s injury in Game 4 shifted the momentum. Despite the setback, several players stepped up, particularly in their Game 5 win.

Derrick White: The Unsung Hero

With Tatum sidelined, Derrick White became Boston’s go-to scorer in Game 5, delivering a standout performance that kept the Celtics’ season alive.

• Game 5: White led all scorers with 34 points, hitting seven 3-pointers, and added 3 rebounds and 2 assists. His hot shooting from deep (22-of-49 as a team) overwhelmed the Knicks.

• Game 6: White struggled, scoring just 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, as the Knicks’ defense clamped down.

Series Averages: 20.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 40% from three.

White’s Game 5 performance was a reminder of his ability to step up in big moments, but the Knicks’ adjustments in Game 6 limited his impact.

Jaylen Brown: Stepping Up Without Tatum

Jaylen Brown took on a larger role after Tatum’s injury, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities.

• Game 5: Brown recorded 26 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds, nearly achieving a triple-double. His patient, controlled play was crucial in Boston’s 127-102 rout.

• Game 6: Brown managed 18 points but was outshined by the Knicks’ balanced attack.

Series Averages: 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 46% field goal percentage.

Brown’s leadership kept the Celtics competitive, but the lack of Tatum’s scoring punch proved too much to overcome.

Luke Kornet: The Surprise Contributor

Luke Kornet, often an unsung hero, made a significant impact off the bench, particularly in Game 5.

• Game 5: Kornet contributed 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks, starting the second half in place of an ailing Kristaps Porzingis. His defensive presence was a game-changer.

• Series Averages: 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 blocks.

Kornet’s rim protection and hustle plays gave Boston a spark, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Knicks’ dominance in Game 6.

Kristaps Porzingis: Limited by Illness

Kristaps Porzingis, a former Knick, faced his old team but was hampered by a viral illness that limited his minutes, particularly in Game 5.

• Game 1: Porzingis scored 14 points before leaving early due to illness.

• Game 5: Played just 12 minutes, scoring 6 points, as coach Joe Mazzulla benched him at halftime due to breathing issues.

Series Averages: 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 38% field goal percentage.

Porzingis’ limited availability was a blow to Boston’s frontcourt depth, especially against Towns and Mitchell Robinson.

Key Team Stats and Trends

The series wasn’t just about individual performances—team stats played a huge role in the outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the key numbers:

Knicks’ Strengths

• Balanced Scoring: In Game 6, every Knicks starter scored in double digits, showcasing their depth. The team’s 119 points in the blowout win were fueled by a 64-point first half, the most Boston allowed in a playoff half that season.

• Rebounding: The Knicks averaged 45.3 rebounds per game, led by Towns and Hart. Their 10 second-chance points in Game 5’s first half kept them competitive despite Boston’s hot shooting.

• Defense: New York’s defense peaked in Game 6, holding Boston to 37 points in the first half (a season-low) and forcing 15 turnovers.

Celtics’ Strengths

• Three-Point Shooting: Boston’s 22-of-49 performance from deep in Game 5 was a series highlight, with White and Pritchard combining for 12 threes.

• Bench Production: The Celtics’ bench outscored the Knicks’ bench 40-22 in Game 5, with Pritchard and Kornet providing a spark.

• Resilience: Despite Tatum’s absence, Boston’s 127-102 win in Game 5 showed their championship pedigree, outscoring New York 68-43 in the second half.

Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats Head-to-Head Trends

• The Knicks trailed by double digits in every game, highlighting their ability to fight back from deficits. Their Game 1 comeback from 20 points down in the third quarter was a testament to their grit.

• Boston’s 4-0 regular-season record against New York didn’t translate to the playoffs, as the Knicks won 3 of their last 5 games in the series.

• The series saw a stark contrast in pace: the Knicks thrived in transition (averaging 18 fast-break points per game), while Boston relied on perimeter shooting.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

Here’s a quick recap of the series, with key player stats highlighted:

• Game 1 (May 5, 2025): Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT). Brunson’s 39 points and Bridges’ steal on Brown sealed the comeback.

• Game 2 (May 7, 2025): Knicks 91, Celtics 90. A defensive slugfest, with Hart’s 18 points and 10 rebounds leading the way.

• Game 3 (May 10, 2025): Celtics 115, Knicks 93. Pritchard’s 23 points off the bench powered Boston’s first win.

• Game 4 (May 12, 2025): Knicks 121, Celtics 113. Brunson’s 39 points and Tatum’s injury shifted the series’ momentum.

• Game 5 (May 14, 2025): Celtics 127, Knicks 102. White’s 34 points and Boston’s 22 threes kept their season alive.

• Game 6 (May 16, 2025): Knicks 119, Celtics 81. Hart’s triple-double and a 27-point halftime lead secured the Knicks’ trip to the Eastern Conference finals.

Standout Moments and Takeaways

• Josh Hart’s Triple-Double: Hart’s Game 6 performance was historic, earning praise from Knicks legend Walt Frazier, who was courtside. His chasedown block on White sparked a 13-3 run that defined the game.

• Brunson’s Clutch Gene: Named the NBA’s most clutch player, Brunson lived up to the billing, especially in Game 1’s overtime thriller.

• Tatum’s Injury: Tatum’s Achilles injury in Game 4 was a turning point, forcing Boston to rely on White and Brown to carry the load.

• Knicks’ Game 6 Dominance: New York’s 38-point blowout was their best playoff performance, with a 45-point lead after three quarters.

Why the Knicks Won

The Knicks’ victory was a combination of resilience, depth, and defensive adjustments. Despite trailing big in every game, they never folded, relying on Brunson’s leadership, Towns’ dominance, and Hart’s hustle. Their ability to limit Boston’s three-point shooting in Game 6 (the Celtics shot just 25% from deep) and control the boards gave them the edge. The absence of Tatum and Porzingis’ limited minutes further tilted the series in New York’s favor.

What’s Next for Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats Both Teams?

For the Knicks, the win propelled them to the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, starting May 21, 2025. With a healthy core and newfound confidence, they’re a legitimate threat to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. For the Celtics, the loss marked the end of their title defense. With Tatum’s recovery uncertain and questions about Porzingis’ health, Boston faces a challenging offseason.

Conclusion

The 2025 Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats was a rollercoaster of emotions, with standout performances from Brunson, Towns, Hart, White, and Brown. The Knicks’ balanced attack and defensive intensity ultimately outshined Boston’s depleted roster, making this series one for the history books. Whether you’re reliving the excitement or analyzing the stats, this matchup showcased why the Knicks-Celtics rivalry remains one of the NBA’s best.

Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats Table