The New York Knicks secured their place in the second round of the playoffs with a dramatic victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6, showcasing their resilience with a fourth-quarter comeback. Jalen Brunson's clutch three-pointer with just over four seconds left sealed the win, allowing New York to advance to face the Boston Celtics. However, the Knicks have struggled against Boston in the regular season, losing all four matchups, three by significant margins. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal delivered a crucial message to the Knicks' stars, urging them to avoid inconsistent performances if they hope to upset the Celtics.

New York's reliance on Brunson has been evident, as he has carried much of the offensive load in the series against Detroit. To compete effectively against the Celtics, other stars like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges must elevate their games and contribute consistently. The Knicks possess enough star power to challenge the Celtics, who are led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. The upcoming series will test whether New York's talent can translate into playoff success.