Great rivalry · Team vs team
Celtics vs Knicks: an old rivalry wakes up
Boston and New York share NBA roots, Atlantic Division familiarity and a history that stretches from the league’s earliest seasons to a dramatic modern upset.
The story in one sentence
Boston and New York share NBA roots, Atlantic Division familiarity and a history that stretches from the league’s earliest seasons to a dramatic modern upset.
City rivalries can disappear and return without losing their identity.
Old history gives modern playoff surprises more weight.
A comeback can change the emotional direction of an entire series.
Timeline
How it unfolded
1950s–70s
Two original powers share the East
The franchises met repeatedly as the NBA grew. Boston built the league’s greatest early dynasty, while New York’s championship teams made Madison Square Garden a center of basketball culture.
1973
The Knicks survive Boston in seven
New York defeated Boston in the Eastern finals on the way to its second championship. It remains one of the foundational playoff chapters between the cities.
2011
The modern rivalry returns
Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire brought New York back to the playoffs, but the experienced Pierce–Garnett–Allen Celtics swept the first-round series.
2013
New York finally closes the door
The Knicks took a 3–0 lead, survived Boston’s attempt to extend the series and won Game 6 at TD Garden. It was New York’s first playoff series victory in 13 years.
2025
Two road comebacks change the bracket
The defending champion Celtics built 20-point leads in each of the first two games. New York erased both in Boston, then finished the upset in six to revive the rivalry for a new generation.