The semifinals for the championship have never felt so tense, with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics trading game after game with each other. The recent match that went down yesterday proved that the Celtics still have some fight in them, but the Knicks are still ahead with their one-win advantage. The next few games hold a ton of weight for both teams, as the results will have a significant impact on their legacies.
Since the late 50s, the Celtics have always been a high contender for the championships, rocking the highest number of titles in NBA history so far. Their long streak of victories is due to their effective ball movement and a long line of talented coaches and players. A win against the Knicks would put them in a good position to defend the championship title they received last year. Not only would that put another notch on the belt, but it would be the first time since 1969 that they have managed to win the championship back-to-back. It could be the mark of another string of victories to come for the Celtics.
The stakes are just as high for the Knicks, who have been the long-standing rivals of the Celtics for decades. Much like the Celtics, they have had a long lineage of history and support within the NBA, with many of their players lining the walls inside the Hall of Fame. Their offense and leadership have always been their greatest strengths, which is how they got ahead of the Celtics this year. A victory for them will knock the championship title out of their rivals’ hands while setting them up to win their third title.
These upcoming games will serve as a turning point for both teams and the reputation they hold.