Analysis: Can the Knicks win the first NBA championship in more than 50 years after advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals

The Knicks advanced to the showdown against the Pacers after eliminating the Celtics in Game 6.

Knicks returned to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. Can they win their first NBA championship in more than 50 years?

New York Knicks defeated the Celtics 119-81 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The big win ensured the Knicks won the series 4-2, and they were still at a disadvantage when they entered the second round of the NBA playoffs.

While Jason Tatum's injury has left most of the credit for the Knicks' defeat to the Celtics, it is worth noting that Tatum has been healthy most of the four of the six games, while New York has a record of 3-1 in those six games.

This is the first time the Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. The Indiana Pacers are waiting for them. The Knicks' series performances with the Celtics were mixed, trailing the Boston Celtics double-digits in each of the first five games. But the Pacers and the Boston Celtics are very different teams.

Many Knicks fans should be familiar with the Pacers. Last season, the Pacers eliminated the weak Knicks in just seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This season, the New York Knicks defeated the Pacers 2-1.

But the playoffs are a whole other thing. The New York Knicks’ strength was fully demonstrated in Game 6 – and the Pacers certainly noticed it. Let's review two key factors for the Knicks' Game 6 victory. If the New York Knicks want to advance to the NBA Finals, they must master these two key factors. The Knicks' defense was fully demonstrated. The Knicks' defense was perfect in Game 6. They cleverly limited Derek White's score and (ultimately) limited his score to eight points, with only two 3-pointers hitting. They held Jaylen Brown firmly and limited his score to 20 until he left the court with six fouls at the end of the third quarter.

Their best defensive player, Mitchell Robinson, has contributed a wonderful game. He rotated defenses and almost disrupted all the Celtics' offenses. He even defended five positions in the same round, spinning like a Hellbat. In addition, he also completed a steal at the end of the round.

Miles McBride also completed a LeBron James-style chase block, showing his defensive ability. This is crucial in the Western Conference Finals given the strong performances of players such as Pacers guard Andrew Nemhard.

The Knicks have a flexible defensive system that can effectively limit and suppress elite-level offenses. But facing the top ten teams in the league in scoring, assists, shooting percentage, offensive efficiency and offensive rhythm this season, their defense will face severe tests. Carl Anthony Towns' active offense set the tone for the Knicks

Carl Anthony Towns had a huge mission in Game 6, especially early in the game. He scored 12 of the 21 points in the first quarter. His physical fitness and determination set the tone of the game. He actively rushes into the rim and makes thoughtful running positions when facing singles from almost any defensive player. If the Knicks want to advance, they must continue to maintain this form in the Western Conference Finals.

Downs is obviously a key figure in the Knicks. He is talented and therefore often achieves good results. But when he played more aggressively, the Knicks were completely different. One of the disadvantages of Towns' offenses being aggressive is the referee. Towns's penalty is inconsistent. For example, in a three-pointer game, his leg clearly entered the defensive player's penalty area and was judged to be an offensive foul. Most superstars' penalty is called defensive fouls.

Downs' chance of fouling is even smaller when he hits the basket. But he must be smart enough to choose the offensive position based on the referee's penalty. If he doesn't get a call when rushing to the rim, he can try mid-range shots, a back-refoot jumper and a three-pointer.

The New York Knicks have eight games left to their first NBA championship in more than 50 years. But they still need to play one game after another. They have to play their own style, which means getting Towns involved and trusting their defense to play a role. If they can do that, the Knicks are likely to reach the NBA Finals. But this is by no means easy.