The New York Knicks are preparing for one of the biggest games in the team's history Friday night when they prepare to take on the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
New York holds a 3-2 series lead over Boston and have the chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Even better, they'll have the opportunity to do so in front of their home crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson vs. the Pistons.
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Kendrick Perkins turns heads with Knicks-Celtics statement
The Knicks had the opportunity to close out the series on Wednesday night in Boston, but Celtics center Luke Kornet had other plans, swatting away seven shots after Kristaps Porzingis didn't play the second half.
The Celtics will be without their superstar forward Jayson Tatum after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 4 on Monday.
Former Celtics center Kendrick Perkins made a shocking statement on "First Take" on Friday morning.
"If the Knicks lose this series [vs. the Celtics], it will be one of the biggest disappointments in NBA history. ... Boston is missing their best player in Jayson Tatum and you don't close this series out?" said Perkins.
It's hard to imagine the Celtics can keep this up. Even when they had Tatum, the Knicks looked like the better team down the stretch of every game.
Perhaps more importantly, they've had the best player in the series in Jalen Brunson. The Knicks will likely turn to the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year to guide them past the Celtics and one step further to the NBA Finals.