It is basically impossible to talk about the NBA without mentioning the Atlantic Division's two oldest tenants. They’ve been at it since 1946. Honestly, if you grew up a basketball fan in the Northeast, you’ve spent half your life hearing about the "Garden vs. Garden" mystique. But lately, things have shifted in a way that’s making Boston fans a little uneasy and New York fans arguably the loudest they’ve been since the 90s.
Let’s be real: For years, the Celtics vs Knicks matches were a bit one-sided. Boston was the gold standard, collecting banners while the Knicks were, well, searching for an identity. But if you look at the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the script didn't just flip; it was completely rewritten. New York taking that series 4-2 wasn't just a fluke. It was a statement.
The 2025 Playoff Shockwave
Most people expected the Celtics to steamroll their way through the East last year. They were the number two seed, 61 wins, coming off a dominant regular season. Then they ran into Tom Thibodeau’s "Nova Knicks" and everything went sideways.
I remember Game 2 vividly. Boston was up by 20 points at TD Garden. It felt like a typical "Celtics are just better" night. But New York clawed back, bucket by bucket, eventually squeezing out a 91-90 win. It was the kind of grit that defines Jalen Brunson’s era. Brunson didn’t just play; he lived at the free-throw line, finishing that specific series with 157 points across six games.
The Knicks basically turned the series into a street fight. They won Game 6 in a blowout, 119-81. You don't see the Celtics lose by nearly 40 in a closeout game very often. It was the first time since 2013 that New York felt like the legitimate big brother in the rivalry.
Why the Karl-Anthony Towns Trade Changed Everything
We have to talk about KAT. When the Knicks brought in Karl-Anthony Towns, the dynamic of Celtics vs Knicks matches changed overnight. Usually, Boston’s "five-out" offense leaves traditional big men in the dust. They make you switch, they make you scramble, and they make you pay.
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Towns changed that. He didn't just hang out in the paint; he dragged Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford out to the perimeter. In the October 2025 matchup, Towns put up 26 points and 13 boards, including four triples. When your center can match Boston’s shooting, the math changes. Suddenly, the Celtics' defensive rotations aren't as crisp because they're terrified of leaving the best shooting big man in the league open.
A Rivalry Built on 571 Games
The history here is deep. Like, "black-and-white television" deep. As of late 2025, these teams have met 571 times. Boston still holds the all-time lead (347-225), which is a massive gap, but the postseason is where the real scars are.
Did you know the Knicks were actually the first team to ever beat Boston in a Game 7? That happened in 1973. Before that, the Celtics were a perfect 10-0 in Game 7s. Walt Frazier walked into the old Boston Garden and just took over.
Then you had the 80s. Larry Bird vs. Bernard King. In the 1984 playoffs, King averaged over 29 points a game. It took seven games and a peak-Bird performance to send New York home. Every time these teams meet in the spring, it feels like those ghosts come back to life.
Recent Regular Season Trends
If you’re betting on these games or just trying to win an argument at a bar, look at the scoring defense. In the current 2025-26 season, the Celtics are still a top-tier defensive unit, allowing only about 110 points per game. The Knicks aren't far behind, but they play a much slower, more physical style.
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- October 24, 2025: Knicks won 105-95. They held Boston under 100, which is nearly impossible these days.
- December 2, 2025: Celtics bounced back with a 123-117 win at TD Garden.
- The Blueprint: When the Knicks win, the score is usually in the 90s or low 100s. When Boston wins, they usually push it past 115.
It’s a clash of philosophies. Joe Mazzulla wants a math war—more threes, more possessions, more efficiency. Thibs wants a war of attrition. He’ll play Josh Hart 48 minutes if he has to. Seriously, Hart’s stamina is sort of terrifying. He’s the guy diving for a loose ball when his team is up ten with a minute left.
The Stars: Tatum vs Brunson
The individual matchup is what sells the tickets. Jayson Tatum is the prototype for the modern wing. He’s 6'8", can score from anywhere, and he’s usually the best player on the floor. In Game 4 of the 2025 playoffs, he dropped 42 points. When he’s on, there is no "scheme" that stops him.
But Brunson is the heartbeat of New York. He doesn't have the height or the freakish wingspan. He just has footwork and an unstoppable mid-range game. He averaged 26.2 points in that last playoff meeting. He’s the reason the Knicks don't panic when they're down.
Then there’s the supporting cast. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are arguably the best two-way duo in the league. On the other side, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby were literally built in a lab to guard players like Tatum and Brown.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s this idea that the Knicks are just "scrappy." That’s kinda lazy analysis. They are actually one of the most disciplined offensive teams in the league now. They don’t turn the ball over. In their recent wins over Boston, their turnover percentage was significantly lower than the league average.
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Boston’s weakness, if you can call it that, is their reliance on the three. When they shoot 40% from deep, they are unbeatable. When they hit a cold spell—like they did in Game 6 of the 2025 Semis—they don't always have a "Plan B." New York’s Plan B is always "get offensive rebounds," and with Mitchell Robinson and KAT, they do that better than almost anyone.
How to Watch and What to Expect Next
We’ve got a massive game coming up on February 8, 2026. This is going to be the one that likely determines the tiebreaker for home-court advantage.
If you're heading to the Garden (either one), expect the atmosphere to be hostile. The fanbases genuinely don't like each other. It’s not a manufactured rivalry for TV; it’s a geographical reality.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup:
- Watch the Rebound Margin: If the Knicks are +5 or better on the glass, they usually win.
- The 35-Minute Mark: See who Joe Mazzulla trusts in the final minutes. Lately, Payton Pritchard has been a "X-factor" in these matchups, providing a spark when the starters get bogged down by New York’s physical defense.
- Health Check: Porziņģis is the swing factor. When he’s healthy, the Celtics' ceiling is higher than anyone's. If he's out, the Knicks' size becomes a nightmare for Boston.
Keep an eye on the standings. Both teams are hovering around the 25-win mark as of mid-January 2026. This isn't just about a random Tuesday in December anymore. This is about who gets to host Game 7 in May. Given the history, that home-court advantage might be the only thing that separates these two giants.
Track the defensive efficiency ratings heading into the February 8 game. If New York continues to lead the league in opponent three-point percentage, Boston’s primary weapon might be neutralized once again. Scan the injury reports specifically for OG Anunoby; his availability usually dictates how much "breathing room" Jayson Tatum gets on the perimeter. Be ready for a game that feels more like a playoff battle than a regular-season contest.