Madison Square Garden is erupting. The New York Knicks, a team longing for success for decades, are now one series away from the NBA Finals. The crowd roared behind every bucket. But the emotions of those who strived and fell short in the past summed up the long-awaited celebrations the Knicks faithful have been waiting for. There was just one surprise. Carmelo Anthony wasn’t in the crowd for the momentous occasion.

Nearly every other Knicks icon was jumping out of their seats, galloping in pride as Jalen Brunson and Co. sealed their ticket to the first Conference Finals since 1999. Stephon Marbury couldn’t stay seated as the Knicks vanquished their historic rivals. Even Walt Frazier, the last legend to lead the Knicks to a title, had a wide smile.

The only missing person was Melo. Usually, the Knicks legend makes an appearance during such moments. His energy courtside is contagious, as was clear during Team USA’s Paris Olympic final. Sadly, he missed one of the most key moments in the Knicks’ franchise history. They made a leap that seemed far from possible over the last 20 years.

This marks the Knicks’ first trip to the Conference Finals since the 1999-2000 season. Back then, Rick Brunson was a player on the squad that fell in six games to the Indiana Pacers. Two decades later, he returns—not on the court, but on the bench as an assistant coach, watching his son, Jalen Brunson, lead the charge as the heart and soul of this Knicks team. The full-circle moment wrote itself.

Tonight was drenched in emotion. The energy inside Madison Square Garden was electric, almost spiritual. Ticket prices had soared to record highs, and the crowd matched every dollar with raw, unfiltered passion. After last year’s painful playoff exit in their own building, this night felt like perfect symmetry—retribution, redemption, and a reminder that this team is no longer just building. They’ve arrived.

For Knicks fans, this wasn’t just a win—it was a revival. And for the legends in attendance, it might just feel like the beginning of something special.

And this team has done everything in its power to create such an infectious wave.

The Knicks wanted this more than anyone

Tonight, the crowd did play a huge role in filling up the arena with everlasting and roaring energy. However, the players did their part in capitalizing. The Knicks understood what a victory in Game 6 would entail for their future. Their desire to take the next step was far superior to the Celtics’ desperation to extend the series.

The Knicks reigned over their historic rivals like this was a game to seal a championship. Four of the Knicks’ starters produced 20+ point games. The one who didn’t, Josh Hart, supplied the team with a rare postseason triple-double. But where the team beat the Celtics was exactly where they struggled a few days ago.

The Knicks outscored the Celtics 48-34 in the paint. The Knicks chased after the ball as if every possession mattered. It didn’t matter if they led by 30. They grabbed 55 rebounds tonight, leading to a 14-point differential in second-chance points. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson were the standout performers.

The former collegiate tandem combined for 45 points on stellar efficiency, establishing the Knicks’ strong yearning over the Celtics. Now, the team is slated to face off against the Indiana Pacers. Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton’s WWE battle aside, this is a grudge match. The Knicks saw their season end last year at the hands of the Pacers. Furthermore, they were also the team that beat them the last time they made it to a Conference Finals.

They are after vengeance. On the other hand, the Pacers have made it a habit to kill giants in their run so far. Do you think the Knicks will give their legends something more to cheer for, or will the Pacers’ incessant offense prove too much? Let us know your views in the comments below.