21 points + 12 first to enter the Eastern Conference Finals, a record of 25 years was reached by Towns three times

On May 17, 2025, the NBA playoffs continued, with the Knicks defeating the Celtics 119-81. After the game started, the Knicks showed strong dominance. Bridges scored consecutively to help the team start 7-0. Although the Celtics tried to chase points through Jaylen Brown's personal abilities, the Knicks quickly made another 8-0 attack wave to establish a lead. In the second quarter, the Celtics suddenly cut off power on the offensive end and made frequent mistakes. The Knicks seized the opportunity to score a 10-2 climax, widening the score difference to double digits. At the end of the half, the Knicks had already led by 27 points. In the second half, the Celtics tried to narrow the gap through White's outside shot, but the Knicks blossomed at multiple points, and the strong performances of Brunson and Hart helped the team expand the lead to more than 30 points. When Jaylen Brown was sent off for six fouls, the Knicks' lead once reached more than 40 points. In the final quarter, both sides began to send substitutes. The Knicks always maintained a lead of more than 30 points, and finally won with a huge score of 38 points, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals 4-2 with a total score.

The Knicks' victory in this game can be said to be a comprehensive crush. Judging from the data, the Knicks leads comprehensively in key data such as shooting percentage (46.2%-36%), three-point shooting percentage (34.8%-29.3%), and free throw shooting percentage (90.5%-70%). More importantly, the Knicks suppressed the Celtics with a huge advantage of 55-36 in rebounding, with the advantage of 15-9 in frontcourt rebounds creating more secondary offensive opportunities for the team. In terms of tactical execution, the Knicks led the fast break by 23-8, scored 48-34 in the interior, and scored 22-8 in the opponent's turnover. These data fully demonstrate the Knicks' overall dominance in the game. It has to be mentioned that the absence of the Celtics core star Tatum had a huge impact on the team, making it difficult for Jaylen Brown to take the lead. In the end, he was sent off for 7 mistakes and 6 fouls, completely announcing the Celtics' failure. At the same time, Towns scored several NBA records in one game, and three NBA historical records were reached.

Downs showed the dominance that the All-Star center should have in this game. In the first quarter, he contributed 5 points to the team through a three-pointer and a wonderful inside strong score, helping the Knicks establish a leading advantage. In the second quarter, Towns continued to make efforts in the inside. Facing the Celtics' defense, he showed an extremely high level of skill, playing back and crossing the frame, and contributing comprehensive data of 8 points and 6 rebounds in a single quarter. In the second half, when the Celtics tried to launch a counterattack, Towns stood up and scored continuously at the beginning of the third quarter, completely dispelling the opponent's hope of counterattack. In the final quarter, although there was no suspense in the game, Towns remained highly focused and continued to contribute rebounds and defense to the team during his limited playing time.

In the whole game, Towns scored 21 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, and made 8 goals in 20 shots, 1 of 6 three-pointers, and made 4 free throws. More importantly, his performance on the defensive end is equally excellent. Although there is no blocking data, his defensive position and interference have greatly reduced the efficiency of the Celtics' inside offense. As the team's inside core, Towns not only provides a stable source of scoring on the offensive end, but also becomes the team's guarantee on the defensive end. His comprehensive performance is one of the key factors for the Knicks to win a big score.

According to statistics from the NBA official website, after this game, Towns became the first center in NBA history to score at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a single game in the playoffs, and the team won the opponent's opponent's 35 points and more! This data fully reflects Towns' dominance in the game and his contribution to victory. Not only that, Towns also became the first center in the Knicks history to score 20+ points in five consecutive games in the playoffs, surpassing the record of legendary center Ewing. This achievement not only demonstrates Towns' personal ability, but also reflects his important position in the history of the Knicks.

What's even more amazing is that Towns' performance in this game makes him the third center in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in the playoffs and shoot more than 35% of the three-point shooting percentage, tied with legendary centers such as O'Neal and Duncan. This data fully demonstrates the comprehensiveness and unique value of Towns as a modern center. He can not only dominate the game in the interior, but also provide stable shooting ability on the outside. This technical feature is extremely rare in today's NBA, and also makes the Knicks' offensive system more diversified and difficult to defend. These historic achievements of

Downs's are not only a breakthrough in data, but also an affirmation of his personal value. As a modern center, his comprehensive skills and stable performance provide solid guarantees for the Knicks' playoff journey and also leaves his mark on NBA history.

The outside world generally believes that this team has become a newcomer in the East! ESPN analyst Windhorst said: "The Knicks have shown amazing team basketball, and their defensive strength and offensive diversity are impressive. Especially without Julius Randall, they are still able to play such a high level, which proves the depth and resilience of the team. However, the Knicks also have some structural shortcomings. First of all, their three-point shooting percentage fluctuated greatly. Although they scored 16 three-pointers in this game, their shooting percentage was only 34.8%, which may become a problem when facing a stronger defense. Secondly, although the Knicks' substitute lineup performed well in this game, its overall strength is still far from the starter, which may become a hidden danger in the long-term series.

Looking forward to the next round of the Pacers, the Knicks need to continue to maintain high-intensity defense and multi-point blooming offense, especially to limit the Pacers' outside shooting and fast attack.. Meanwhile, Towns' inside dominance will be one of the key factors in the Knicks' victory, and he needs to continue to perform efficiently when facing the Pacers' inside defense.

Downs has proved his comprehensive value as a modern center with his performance. His technical characteristics and stable performance provide the Knicks with solid inside and outside guarantees. From a historical perspective, Towns is gradually establishing his position in NBA history. If he can lead the Knicks to go further in the playoffs and even win the championship, he will have the opportunity to join the ranks of the greatest centers in NBA history.

For the Knicks, although they have shown great strength in this round of the series, they need to be wary of possible problems when facing more comprehensive opponents like the Pacers, especially the fluctuations in three-point shooting percentage and the stability of the substitute lineup. The Celtics need to learn from this defeat, especially in the absence of core players, how to better adjust their tactics and exert their team strength.

Can Towns continue to maintain such highlights? Can the Knicks overcome their shortcomings and defeat the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals? Let's wait and see!