From the Big Apple to Beantown: Celtics vs. Knicks History & Game Info

When Do the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks Play Next?

Boston Celtics tickets and New York Knicks tickets can be found on their respective team pages, along with schedule information.

Are the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks Rivals?

Yes, as two of the most historic franchises in the NBA, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks have both a geographic and historic rivalry in the Eastern Conference. The rivalry dates back to 1946, when they first met. The two teams played each other for the first time in the NBA Playoffs in 1951.

Who are the Boston Celtics’ Biggest Rivals?

The Boston Celtics’ biggest rivals are the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers and Celtics each have 17 championships, and the two teams have played each other 12 times in the NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics have other rivalries in the Eastern Conference, most notably with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.

Who are the New York Knicks’ Biggest Rivals?

The New York Knicks have intense, long-standing rivalries with several teams in the Eastern Conference. Their biggest rivals are the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls. The Knicks have played teams like the Celtics, Heat and 76ers several times in the NBA playoffs.

Game Results Between the Celtics & Knicks

Between 1946 and 2023 the Celtics and Knicks have played 556 times, making it one of the oldest rivalries in the NBA. Boston holds the edge in all-time wins, 336-220. Additionally, each team has racked up 21 consecutive wins against the other at certain points.

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks History

The Knicks and Celtics have squared off 15 times in the NBA Playoffs going into the 2024 season. As a powerhouse in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Knicks won the first three playoff series between both teams from 1951-1953, only losing two games to the Celtics in that span. However, the Celtics won the next four playoff series vs. the Knicks, including the 1969 Eastern Division Finals.

During the ‘60s, the Celtics went on an unprecedented run, winning every NBA championship between 1959 and 1966. During that span, the Knicks struggled, missing the playoffs each year from 1960-1966.

The Knicks bounced back in the early ‘70s, and they faced the Celtics in three straight Eastern Conference Finals from 1972-1974. The Knicks won the first two series in 1972 and 1973, the latter of which was en route to winning a championship. The Celtics got their revenge in 1974 on the way to winning their 12th title as a franchise.

In the 1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, beat the New York Knicks in seven games. Each game in the series was won by the home team.

The last two times the Celtics and Knicks squared off in the playoffs were in the First Round in 2011 and 2013. The Celtics swept the Knicks in 2011 and the Knicks, led by Amar’e Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony, won in six games in 2013.

Where Do the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics Play?

The New York Knicks play at one of the most iconic arenas in all of American sports: Madison Square Garden. Located in the heart of Midtown in New York City, MSG or known simply as “the Garden” has been the host of the Knicks since 1968. MSG is also home to the NHL’s New York Rangers and occasionally hosts St. John’s Red Storm NCAA men’s basketball games. The arena briefly hosted the WNBA’s New York Liberty from 2014-2017.

The Boston Celtics also play at an arena locals refer to as “the Garden.” TD Garden has been the Celtics’ home since 1995. Replacing the old Boston Garden arena, TD Garden is still commonly referred to as the Boston Garden. The stadium houses 19,156 and also plays host to the NHL’s Boston Bruins.