The underdog New York Knicks stun Boston Celtics to reach Eastern Conference finals, overcoming a 20-point deficit and setting sights on the Indiana Pacers.

The New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000. The Knicks eliminated the reigning champion Boston Celtics on Friday night in Game 6 of their second-round playoff matchup.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, left, speaks with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) AP

Celtics star Jayson Tatum won’t be far from Madison Square Garden when Boston faces a must-win situation against the New York Knicks on Friday night as the defending champions attempt to force a decid

The belief ended with 1:49 remaining in the third quarter of Game 6 on Friday night, when coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters with the New York Knicks leading by 41 points. The Knicks went on to a 119-81 victory to win the Eastern Conference semifinal series and ensure that the Celtics' latest title reign would be a brief one.