Knicks vs Celtics: Reigniting One of Basketball’s Fiercest Rivalries
- Introduction to the Intense World of Knicks vs Celtics
- Tracing the Historical Roots of the Celtics-Knicks Rivalry
- Reliving Iconic Knicks vs Celtics Playoff Battles
- Legends and Modern Stars: Shaping the Rivalry
- The Modern Era: What Knicks vs Celtics Means Now
- The Enduring Legacy of Knicks vs Celtics
The Knicks vs Celtics rivalry is more than just a series of basketball games; it’s a clash of titans, a battle woven into the fabric of NBA history. As someone who’s followed the league for decades, watching these two storied franchises go head-to-head always brings an extra level of excitement. There’s a palpable energy, a sense of history unfolding every time the Knicks and Celtics step onto the court against each other.
This isn’t a manufactured rivalry; it’s one built on decades of intense competition, memorable playoff battles, and a shared history as two of the league’s charter franchises. They are the two oldest teams still playing in their original cities, adding a unique layer of tradition to every matchup. From the early days of the BAA to the modern NBA, the games between New York and Boston have often had significant implications, shaping the destinies of both teams and the league itself. Whether it’s a regular season tilt or a high-stakes playoff series, Knicks vs Celtics always delivers drama.
To truly appreciate the intensity of a Knicks vs Celtics game, you need to understand its historical roots. These two teams first met way back on December 7, 1946, a game the Knicks won 90-65. Since then, they’ve played each other more times in the regular season than any other two teams in NBA history. That’s a lot of shared history, a lot of hard-fought games, and a lot of moments etched into the memories of fans on both sides.
The rivalry has seen its ebbs and flows. The Celtics, with their league-leading 17 championships, have historically held the upper hand in terms of overall success. The Knicks, while only having two championships, have a passionate fanbase and have provided plenty of their own memorable moments in this rivalry.
Looking back at the sheer volume of games played, both in the regular season and the playoffs, underscores the depth of this rivalry. The regular season series alone boasts 498 games played. The playoffs add another layer of intensity, with numerous series that have gone down to the wire.
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When you talk about Knicks vs Celtics, certain playoff series immediately come to mind. These are the battles that define the rivalry, the ones fans still discuss years later. Think back to the early 1950s, when the Knicks and Celtics met in the playoffs multiple times. The Knicks swept the Celtics in the first round in 1951 before falling in the Finals. The Celtics got their revenge in 1954 and 1955.
The 1970s saw some classic Eastern Conference Finals matchups. The Knicks triumphed in 1972 and 1973, with the latter series going a full seven games. These Knicks teams, featuring legends like Willis Reed and Walt “Clyde” Frazier, cemented their place in history with these victories on their way to championships.
Fast forward to the 1980s and the rivalry continued to deliver. The 1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in particular, is often cited as a truly great series, featuring epic performances from Bernard King and Larry Bird. While the Celtics ultimately won that series, it showcased the heart and talent on both squads.
More recently, the teams have met in the playoffs in 2011 and 2013. While the 2011 series was a sweep for Boston, the 2013 matchup saw the Knicks emerge victorious in six games. These more recent clashes, while perhaps not reaching the historical heights of the 70s or 80s, still brought the intensity and competitive spirit that defines Knicks vs Celtics.
Any great rivalry is defined by the players who compete in it, and the Knicks vs Celtics saga is no different. Over the years, countless stars have graced the court for both franchises, leaving their mark on this historic matchup.
For the Celtics, you have the legendary Bill Russell and the dynasty he led, followed by the Bird era, and in more modern times, stars like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
On the Knicks side, icons like Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Patrick Ewing carried the torch for generations. In recent years, players like Carmelo Anthony and now Jalen Brunson have added their names to the list of Knicks stars who have battled the Celtics.
It’s also fascinating to look at the players who have suited up for both teams over their careers. There have been 57 players who have played for both the Knicks and the Celtics. Notable names include Bob McAdoo, Carl Braun, and David Lee.
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While the rivalry may have had periods of dormancy, recent years have seen a resurgence in the intensity of Knicks vs Celtics matchups, particularly in the playoffs. The 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals series has been a prime example of this renewed fire. The Knicks, against many expectations, took a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, showcasing their resilience and challenging the favored Celtics, even without their star Jayson Tatum for a portion of the series.
This series has been a classic Knicks vs Celtics battle, featuring tight games, dramatic finishes, and standout performances from players like Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Jaylen Brown for the Celtics. The energy at Madison Square Garden has been electric, with the New York crowd fully invested in seeing their team advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
The back-and-forth nature of this series, with the Knicks pulling off impressive road wins and the Celtics fighting to stay alive, has added another memorable chapter to this long-standing rivalry. It’s a reminder that when these two teams meet, you can always expect the unexpected.
The Knicks vs Celtics rivalry is a cornerstone of the NBA, a testament to the enduring power of sports to capture our imaginations and create lasting narratives. From the early days of the league to the present playoff battles, the games between these two franchises have provided countless thrills and unforgettable moments. As a fan, experiencing the intensity of a Knicks vs Celtics game, whether in person or on screen, is a reminder of the rich history and passionate competition that makes basketball so special. The Knicks vs Celtics rivalry continues to thrive, promising more exciting chapters in the years to come.