Knicks Reach Eastern Conference Finals After Celtics Upset, Paul Pierce Warns Pacers Threat

Paul Pierce, a Boston Celtics legend, dismissed the New York Knicks' playoff victory over an injured Celtics team by emphasizing that key Celtics player Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury significantly impacted the series outcome. Despite the Knicks' historic 119-81 win to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, Pierce predicted the Indiana Pacers would decisively defeat the Knicks in the next round, stating, "Pacers gonna pop y’all." While Pierce's comments sparked backlash for undercutting the Knicks' achievements, other analysts like ESPN's Kendrick Perkins supported the Knicks, predicting a tough seven-game series against the Pacers. The Pacers have been dominant in the playoffs, having swept strong teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, led by star Tyrese Haliburton and supported by key players such as Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner. Knicks supporters remain confident, celebrating their upset over the Celtics and looking ahead to a challenging matchup against the Pacers.