Knicks-Pacers Series ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts
The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics extended well-wishes and respect after their latest postseason get-together wrapped at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks closed out the series with a big win at Madison Square Garden to book their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, who have been waiting in the wings after they eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
“I got Knicks in seven,” Perkins declared. “Perfect opportunity for the New York Knicks to get their lick back.
Hell, the Pacers took – hell, the Knicks took the Pacers to seven games last year, and Jalen Brunson, I believe, had a, what, fractured thumb. You had Josh Hart.
He had an abdominal strain. You had O. G. Ananobi. He was dealing with a hamstring issue.
Perkins heaped praise on Indiana superstar Tyrese Haliburton and his talents, but the ESPN analyst is adamant that Haliburton is not at the same level as Brunson.
“I think Big Body Brunson, along with Josh Hart’s leadership, is going to take this Knicks team to the NBA Finals. It’s going to go seven games. It’s going to be a brawl for it all. But I got the Knicks winning this series in seven,” Perkins shared his projection.
Game 1 in MSG will be on Wednesday, and if Perkins’ prediction turns out to be correct, then the fans can look forward to a long series ahead.
Porzingis’ first championship defense is over, as he and the Boston Celtics saw their season end in 119-81 fashion on Friday night at MSG as the victims of the Knicks’ first conference finals trek since 2000.
The win allowed New York to take the best-of-seven second-round set by a 4-2 final, which sets up an ECF date with the Indiana Pacers.
Though despondent in defeat, Porzingis at least partly appreciated the fulfillment of the prophecy his arrival was supposed to fulfill, expressing awe at the Knicks and their 19,000-plus supporters on hand to witness history.
“Honestly, the support from the Knicks fans was through the roof tonight and all throughout the playoffs,” Porzingis said in video from SNY. “Unbelievable fans, unbelievable city, and there’s a side of me that’s very very happy, that’s very happy for them.
I wish them nothing but the best. They’re class players that we played against and they’ve done great things and I wish them nothing but success.”
Mutual respect flowed from both sides as the latest edition of the regional rivalry met its end with the Knicks’ win. The second round set marked the 15th playoff series between New York and Boston, the second-most common matchup in the history of the NBA postseason.
The Celtics still own a record 18 championships but the Knicks have denied many more, as they now led the all-time series 8-7 after sealing the deal on Friday.
