The New York Knicks head coach commended both his players and their preparation after a blowout Game 6 win over the Celtics.
Tom Thibodeau kept his tone measured after the Knicks’ dominant 119-81 victory over Boston in Game 6, despite the franchise advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
“Start to finish was terrific,” Thibodeau said postgame, while also acknowledging the Celtics’ season and the impact of Jayson Tatum’s injury. “They’re a first-class organization.”
When asked if Friday’s performance was the best of New York’s postseason, Thibodeau responded, “Probably,” emphasizing the need to earn every possession against an opponent of Boston’s caliber.
He credited the team’s urgency throughout the night, noting that effort was on display “all game long.”
The Knicks held Boston to just 36% shooting and forced 14 turnovers. Thibodeau highlighted the defensive execution as central to the win, particularly in transition coverage.
“You have to be very disciplined,” he said. “And I thought we were tonight.”
Josh Hart notched a triple-double, but Thibodeau pointed to Hart’s intangible impact more than the box score. “What he is, is a basketball player,” the coach said, praising Hart’s hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility.
Asked about the Knicks’ massive early lead, Thibodeau rejected the idea of a consistent formula. “You got to win games different ways,” he said, underlining the value of preparation over momentum.
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Thibodeau credited him for “setting the tone” on both ends.
He also lauded OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges for applying relentless defensive pressure and creating chaos that led to easy buckets.
Looking ahead to the next round, Thibodeau called Indiana “a terrific team,” naming Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner as central threats.
He emphasized that home-court advantage doesn’t guarantee success, stating, “You have to earn your wins… with your play.”
Thibodeau discussed tactical changes that evolved during the series, including increased switching on ball screens. He said decisions were based on in-game reads and necessity.
“Sometimes… there’s penetration and there’s a problem,” he explained. “You got to take care of it, right?”
With eight postseason wins secured, Thibodeau reminded reporters of the bigger picture.
“You need sixteen,” he said. “And each one gets harder and harder.”
New York will open the Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.
