The New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference finals for the second time this century, defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win the series 4-2. The team won the first two games and a crucial Game 4, setting up their decisive victory.
Since their last appearance in the conference finals in 2000, the Knicks have appeared three times but fell short each time, including a seven-game series with the Indiana Pacers last season.
The current team’s success can be attributed to head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has been with the franchise since 2020 and led them to the postseason four times after missing it for seven straight seasons. Thibodeau had previously coached the Knicks from 1996 to 2003, including their last conference finals appearance.
Notably, Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson’s father, was an assistant coach under Thibodeau during that period and is currently part of the team’s coaching staff.
Music-wise, the year 2000 was notable for hits like Carlos Santana’s “Maria Maria,” which spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song won a Grammy Award for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals.
In other news, the epic film “Gladiator” took home Oscars in several categories at the 73rd Academy Awards. Meanwhile, the Western Conference finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers went to seven games, with the Lakers ultimately winning after a dramatic comeback.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45133485/new-york-knicks-eastern-conference-finals-nba-capsule