Knicks Blow Out Celtics in Game 6, But Game 5 Officiating Sparks Outrage and Betting Losses

Knicks Dominate Game 6 to Advance, But Game 5 Officiating Raises Questions

The New York Knicks steamrolled the Boston Celtics in a 119–81 blowout win in Game 6, punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. The victory was as emphatic as it was necessary — not only for momentum but also for narrative control after a controversial Game 5 defeat that had fans and analysts pointing fingers at the referees.

A Statement Win in Game 6

This was a clinic. Jalen Brunson, playing with surgical precision, dropped 23 points, slicing through Boston’s defense with his usual mid-range magic and off-balance floaters. OG Anunoby matched him with 23 of his own, hitting three triples and locking down on defense.

Mikal Bridges brought the fire with 22 points, showcasing the two-way versatility the Knicks banked on all season. But the most compelling comeback? Karl-Anthony Towns. After a largely invisible series, KAT erupted for 21 points and 12 rebounds, bullying the Celtics in the paint and finally playing like the star he’s paid to be.

And then there was Josh Hart — the Knicks’ hustle king — dropping a rare postseason triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He became the first Knick to post a triple-double in the playoffs since 1972.

New York’s defense was suffocating, holding Boston to 36% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers. The Garden was roaring, and so were the Knicks.

Game 5: A Totally Different Story

Just two nights earlier, it was the Knicks who looked lost. In a deflating 127–102 loss, they fell flat against a Celtics team playing without Jayson Tatum. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown combined for 60 points, and Boston never trailed after the first quarter.

But what stole the spotlight wasn’t just the Knicks’ lack of energy — it was the officiating. From questionable shooting fouls to blatant no-calls, fans immediately took to social media, flooding it with clips of inconsistencies and alleged favoritism. In one widely circulated moment, Payton Pritchard was awarded free throws despite clearly not being in a shooting motion.

Even Magic Johnson chimed in postgame, pointing directly to the referees as one of the reasons New York lost, citing “missed calls at critical moments” and a general lack of consistency that “killed the Knicks’ rhythm.”

A Numbers-Based Case for Concern

Let’s talk numbers. In Game 5, the Knicks were hit with 24 fouls, compared to just 18 against Boston. While a six-foul gap may seem small, the timing and context of those calls painted a different picture. Several came during Knicks scoring runs or critical defensive stops — halting momentum and fueling Boston’s pace.

In Game 6, when the officiating was far more balanced (Knicks 19, Celtics 20), the game flow was smoother and New York thrived.

Zooming out, the Knicks averaged 21.5 fouls per game in this series. Boston? 19.2. Not wildly disproportionate, but enough to raise eyebrows when looking at how those fouls translated to free throws and game tempo.

The league has long battled questions of referee bias. One recent study published on arXiv examined implicit biases among NBA officials, revealing measurable patterns favoring certain teams and players under specific conditions. And given the NBA’s history — including the notorious Tim Donaghy scandal — the idea of officiating influencing outcomes isn’t just tinfoil-hat speculation.

What About the Bettors?

Game 5 didn’t just sting the Knicks and their fans — it delivered a body blow to bettors across the country. With Boston missing their top scorer and the Knicks riding momentum from a Game 4 win, the public overwhelmingly backed New York on the moneyline.

Though sportsbooks haven’t released exact figures, early reports from betting forums and platforms suggest over 70% of public bets were placed on the Knicks that night. The unexpected blowout loss — paired with controversial officiating — sparked accusations that extended beyond the court and into betting integrity, as reported by Reuters.

Some bettors reported losing four- and five-figure sums on what seemed like a “safe” bet — especially with Tatum out. The sentiment online was loud and clear: something felt off.

What Happens Next?

The Knicks now head into a high-stakes Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Indiana Pacers — with their fan base fired up, their rotation locked in, and the shadow of Game 5 looming large.

Whether or not the NBA investigates the officiating remains to be seen. But the league would be wise to take notice. In an era where transparency and integrity are paramount — especially with legalized sports betting growing rapidly — fans and players deserve accountability.

For now, Knicks fans can breathe easy. The team not only bounced back — they made a statement.