The Boston Celtics’ title defense ended quietly Friday night, with a 119-81 blowout loss to the New York Knicks in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
After fighting off elimination in Game 5 in Boston, in the wake of star Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury, the Celtics had no answers for the Knicks, who dominated Game 6 from start to finish. Reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown put forth the best effort of any Celtics player Friday night, with 20 points and six assists, but he fouled out in the third quarter and had to watch the rest of the blowout from the bench.
Afterward, Brown shared his feelings over the Celtics’ season coming to an end in the second round.
‘…Things didn’t go our way this year and it’s unfortunate,’ Brown said. ‘But we hold our head up, regardless.
‘Losing to the Knicks feels like death. But, I was always taught that there’s life after death. So, we’ll get ready for whatever’s next, whatever’s next in the journey I’ll be ready for.’
Though the Celtics’ future suddenly seems murky, Brown expressed optimism while looking forward.
‘I’m proud of our group. We fought. We (were) in a lot of battles,’ Brown said. ‘It’s a lot to be excited for. This journey is not the end, it’s not the end for me. I’m looking forward to coming back stronger.
‘You just take this with your chin up. I know Boston … it looks gloomy right now, obviously, with JT (Tatum) being out and … kind of the end of the year. But there’s a lot to look forward to. And I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end. I’m looking forward to what’s next.’