The Boston Celtics head into Madison Square Garden on the brink of elimination as they take on the New York Knicks in a pivotal Game 6 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs. With their backs against the wall, the defending champions are aiming to force a Game 7 and keep their hopes alive for a return to the Eastern Conference Finals. As the spotlight intensified, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson added his voice to the conversation.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Johnson shared a list of six players—three from each team—he believes will shape the outcome of Game 6. For the Knicks, he spotlighted OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges. From the Celtics, he highlighted Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard.
The omissions of Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown raised eyebrows, but Johnson appears to be emphasizing the importance of supporting pieces who could swing the momentum.
The Knicks are seeking their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since the 1999–2000 season, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games, led by Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose. This year’s group has captured the city’s imagination—and now sits just one win away from breaking a 25-year drought.
OG Anunoby has been a defensive anchor throughout the playoffs, averaging 15.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. However, he struggled in Game 5, scoring just six points on 1-of-12 shooting—contributing to New York’s setback. Karl-Anthony Towns has been dominant inside, posting 19.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game this postseason. His physicality and presence in the paint will be vital in Game 6.
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Mikal Bridges has quietly delivered consistency, averaging 14.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. His two-way impact makes him an essential piece against Boston’s perimeter threats.
On the other side, the Celtics are trying to defy the odds without their franchise cornerstone. Jayson Tatum is out for the remainder of the playoffs after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 4—a devastating blow to Joe Mazzulla’s squad. Tatum has since undergone surgery and is expected to face a long recovery.
Still, Boston showed resilience in Game 5 with a statement win that kept their season alive. The team rallied around Tatum’s absence—players wore accessories featuring his No. 0, and jerseys reading “Do It for Tatum” were seen outside the arena. The crowd matched the energy, staying locked in for all 48 minutes.
Derrick White led the charge with a NBA postseason career-high 34 points, including seven three-pointers. He’s averaging 19.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the series—and Boston will need another standout performance to stay alive.
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Jrue Holiday has brought stability on both ends of the floor. The veteran guard is averaging 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, but his defensive leadership could be the difference in a tight contest. Off the bench, Payton Pritchard has delivered when needed, posting 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His energy and offensive spark have helped Boston maintain momentum when starters rest.
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Luke Kornet also surprised in Game 5, stepping up in place of an ineffective Kristaps Porzingis. Kornet finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and an eye-popping 7 blocks—potentially earning himself key minutes in Game 6. With the Celtics chasing an improbable 3–1 comeback and the Knicks trying to reach new heights, Game 6 promises to be a classic at the Garden. And if Magic Johnson is right, the outcome could rest on the shoulders of the unexpected.
