Wondering, did the Celtics win last night? Here’s a comprehensive look at Boston’s pivotal Game 6 matchup against the New York Knicks and what it means for the team’s future.

Celtics vs. Knicks: Game 6 Recap

Fans hoping for a classic Boston comeback were left disappointed. In a decisive blow, the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks 119-81 at Madison Square Garden. This result ended Boston’s bid to repeat as NBA champions. The game was one-sided from the start, as the Knicks played with fierce defensive energy and led wire-to-wire. By the fourth quarter, the outcome was never in doubt.

According to NBA.com’s in-depth takeaways, the Knicks executed one of their best defensive performances all season, stifling Boston’s offense. Six Knicks players finished in double figures, and Josh Hart notched his first playoff triple-double. The Celtics struggled to find open looks or get into a rhythm, in part due to the absence of star Jayson Tatum, sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon suffered earlier in the series.

What Went Wrong for Boston?

A few factors led to the Celtics' early playoff exit. Losing key players like Tatum and having an ailing Kristaps Porziņģis limited Boston’s effectiveness at both ends of the court. The team shot just 33% in the first half and failed to mount any significant runs. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said, "They outplayed us. They played better" (read ESPN’s full analysis).

Defensively, Boston could not contain the Knicks’ attack in the paint or on fast breaks. Robinson’s presence made a significant difference for New York, altering shots and controlling the boards during his minutes on the floor.

Reactions and the Emotional Toll

Star guard Jaylen Brown summed up the mood in his postgame comments: “Finishing in May feels weird. It’s definitely not something we were prepared for. 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.”

Derrick White added, “You’ll never get this season back. You’re never going to have the exact same team again.” The tone in the Celtics’ locker room reflected shock and disappointment after such a lopsided loss and an abrupt end to their title defense.

Implications for the Celtics' Future

With Jayson Tatum facing a lengthy recovery and high roster costs looming, Boston’s management has tough decisions ahead. Contract extensions and a looming record payroll could force the Celtics’ front office to make changes. As detailed in ESPN’s postgame coverage, the Celtics are facing a transitional offseason.

Knicks Advance and NBA Playoff Landscape

With this victory, the Knicks moved on to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, where they’ll meet the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics' playoff exit also guarantees that a former Kentucky Wildcat will win an NBA championship this year, according to Yahoo Sports.

For those asking, did the Celtics win last night? The answer is no—Boston’s season ended with a blowout loss, opening up big questions as they move into the offseason.

Summary

Boston fans now turn their focus to what comes next. Injuries, roster changes, and hard choices will shape the Celtics' future. As for the playoffs, the Knicks take center stage while Celtics Nation waits and wonders when the team will have its next shot at a title.